Sweet Home Fire crews were dispatched at 4:40 this afternoon for a report of a female who fell approximately 10 feet onto a rock ledge just beneath the water on the banks of the South Santiam. The patient complained of severe back pain and was unable to stand. Crews responded with Linn County Search and Rescue and Linn County Sheriff's Deputies and located the victim who required a rope system to safely extricate her to the roadway. The patient was packaged in a stokes basket and a high angle rescue was necessary to raise the patient to a landing from which the crew was then able to carry her the remaining distance. She was transported by ambulance to a local hospital in stable condition. Two brush rigs, an ambulance, a rescue unit, and a staff vehicle responded from Sweet Home Fire with a total of 11 rescuers. From the Linn County Sheriff's Office, 4 deputies and 2 Search and Rescue personnel responded.

On April 27^th, Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a robbery in the 4100 block of Franklin Boulevard, Eugene. The victim met an unknown male at a public location to purchase an item being sold online, then again later in the evening to purchase another item. This time they met in a less public area. The suspect pointed a handgun at the victim, demanded money, and struck him in the face twice. The victim complied, and then was able to escape.

Detectives identified the suspect as Joshua Randall Welty, 24, of Glenwood. On May 8^th, they located Welty and arrested him for Robbery in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Menacing. On May 9^th, detectives and deputies served a search warrant in the 1700 block of Concord Street. Additional evidence was located. As of May 16^th, Welty is still in custody.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents to always meet in a public place when buying and selling, ideally at a location with cameras.  

BOARD REGULAR MEETING NOTICE

The Board of Directors of Winston-Dillard Fire District No. 5 will hold its Regular Board meeting at WDFD Fire Station at 250 SE Main St., Winston, OR on Monday, May 20, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. To comply with House Bill 2560, those that wish to participate can attend through videoconferencing or telephonically. If you plan on attending the meeting, please call the business office at 541-679-8721 during normal business hours prior to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, May 20, 2024, for instructions.

The Board agenda to include but not limited to:

   1. Monthly Financial Report     

The meeting location is accessible to person with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to Winston-Dillard Fire District No. 5 at 541-679-8721

BOARD REGULAR MEETING NOTICE     

The Board of Directors of Douglas County Fire District No. 2 will hold its Regular Board meeting at the Winston Dillard Fire Station located at 250 SE Main St. Winston, OR 97496 on Monday May 20^th, 2024, at 5:30 pm. To comply with House Bill 2560, those that wish to participate can attend through videoconferencing or telephonically. If you plan on attending the meeting, please call the business office at 541-673-5503 during normal business hours prior to 4:00 p.m. on Monday May 20, 2024, for instructions. 

The Board agenda to include but not limited to:                    

1. Monthly Financials
2. Annexation Request

The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to DCFD #2 at 541-673-5503.

CENTRAL DOUGLAS FIRE & RESCUE AUTHORITY REGULAR BOARD MEETING NOTICE

The Board of Directors of Central Douglas Fire & Rescue Authority will hold its Regular Board meeting at Winston Dillard Fire District located at 250 SE Main St. Winston, OR 97496 on Monday May 20, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. A supplemental budget adjustment will be considered at this meeting.  To comply with House Bill 2560, those that wish to participate can attend through videoconferencing or telephonically. If you plan on attending the meeting, please call the business office at 541-673-5503 during normal business hours prior to 4:00 p.m. on Monday May 20, 2024, for instructions.

The Board agenda to include but not limited to:                 

1. Monthly Financials
2. FY24 Supplemental Budget Adjustment – HEARING
3. Resolution 2024-07: FY24 Supplemental Budget Adjustment
4. Board Policies – 1^st Reading
5. Ambulance Rate Setting

The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to administration at 541-673-5503.

REWARD FOR INFORMATION ABOUT POISONING CASE THAT KILLED WOLVES, EAGLES AND OTHER WILDLIFE - WALLOWA COUNTY

The Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish & Wildlife Division is partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement to investigate the unlawful poisoning of three gray wolves, two golden eagles, a mountain lion, and a coyote in the Imnaha River drainage in February of 2024 (link to USFWS Press Release). It should be noted that the suspected source of poison was removed from the landscape by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to prevent further poisonings. 

In addition to the aforementioned incident, the OSP Fish & Wildlife Division is also asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the person(s) responsible for the unlawful take of additional gray wolves, and the killing of domestic dogs in several other locations in Wallowa County, OR:

1. During the months of July and October of 2023, F&W Troopers responded to the unlawful take of two wolves respectively, which had been poisoned within the Chesnimnus Wildlife Management Unit, approximately 30 miles northeast of Enterprise, OR. The poisonings and cause of death were confirmed through the Clark R. Bavin National Fish and Wildlife Forensic Laboratory.
2. During April 2024, F&W Troopers responded to the unlawful take of a wolf, which is suspected of being poisoned in the Wenaha Wildlife Management Unit, approximately 5 miles west of Troy, OR. Investigators are awaiting a confirmed cause of death from the National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory.
3. During April 2024, F&W Troopers responded to a domestic dog which was poisoned and within the Sled Springs Wildlife Management. This location is approximately 9 miles north of Enterprise, OR. The poisoning was confirmed through a veterinary clinic.
4. During late April 2024, F&W Troopers responded to another domestic dog which is suspected of being poisoned within the Snake River Management Unit. This location is approximately 6 miles north of Imnaha, OR. 

Anyone with information regarding these cases is urged to contact OSP Senior Trooper Sean Carothers through the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or dial OSP (mobile).  TIPs can remain anonymous. 

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board. 

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following big game mammals. 

Preference Point Rewards:

5 Points-Bighorn Sheep

5 Points-Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points-Moose

5 Points-Wolf

4 Points-Elk

4 Points-Deer

4 Points-Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points-Bear

4 Points-Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

CASH REWARDS: 

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) Cash Rewards:

$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat or Moose 

$1,000 Elk, Deer or Antelope 

$600 Bear, Cougar or Wolf

$300 Habitat Destruction 

$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

$200 Unlawful Lending/Borrowing Big Game Tag(s)

$200 Game Fish & Shellfish

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox

$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish) 

$11,500 Wolf

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards

$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity: 

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov  (Monitored M-F 8:00AM - 5:00PM)

May 16, 2024

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

OHA advisory: Consumption of raw milk may carry H5N1 risk

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is reminding people of the risks associated with raw (unpasteurized) milk consumption amid the current H5N1 “bird flu” outbreak in dairy cattle.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently tested 297 retail milk samples from 38 states for H5N1 virus. About 20% of these samples tested positive for H5N1 viral fragments, but none contained live infectious virus because the H5N1 virus had been killed through pasteurization.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), there are 49 dairy cattle H5N1 outbreaks across nine states. No outbreaks have occurred in Oregon, but H5N1 is believed to be more widespread than current testing suggests.

“We know that if H5N1 is present in the milk of infected dairy cattle, it will be killed by pasteurization,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA. “Drinking raw milk carries many health risks, and those risks may now include H5N1 infection.”

Pasteurized milk is extremely safe and has undergone a heating process that kills disease-causing bacteria and viruses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who consume unpasteurized milk are at risk for a variety of illnesses such as E. coli and Salmonella. Only pasteurized milk is sold in stores and provided to children in school lunches.

Raw milk that someone consumes from the same farm over a duration of time may not always be safe. Raw milk can get contaminated in many ways. While good safety practices can reduce the chance of germs getting in raw milk, they cannot eliminate all risk.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture is offering free testing for H5N1 to dairy farms of any size in Oregon. For additional information regarding this new no-cost testing program, please visit: https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/AnimalHealthFeedsLivestockID/AHLicensing/Pages/Approved-Bovine-HPAI-Sampler.aspx.

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Fire crews from Sweet Home were dispatched to a crash on Upper Calapooia at 9:52 this morning. The caller reported that the crash involved a log truck and that there were wires down. A command vehicle, an ambulance, a brush truck, and a rescue unit responded from Sweet Home Fire with 6 firefighters. Crews arrived to find a loaded log truck had failed to negotiate a corner and had tipped over onto the passenger side spilling it's logs and shearing off a power pole. The crash left one power line suspended low across the road and two lines broken, laying across the scene. The single occupant of the vehicle had self-extricated prior to the arrival of responders, and was uninjured. Fire crews controlled traffic while two lineman from Pacific Power cleared the power line hazard. The scene was turned over to three Linn County Sheriff's Deputies, the road was closed until a heavy wrecker could arrive to remove the log truck and logs, and clear the roadway.

Saturday, June 1 and Saturday, June 29

1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm and 4:00pm

Adults: $15; Kiddos 3-12: $10; Children 2 and under ride free (on lap); Military & Seniors: $13.50

Join us for a 45-minute train ride in open air rail cars along the Willamette River in the heart of Portland. Excellent for viewing wildlife, paddleboarders and Oaks Park rides!

Open air cars are pulled by a diesel locomotive and depart from the Oregon Rail Heritage Center at 2250 SE Water Avenue in Portland, Oregon. Be sure to save a little time before or after to check out the museum.

Visit www.orhf.org/Saturday-train-rides for ticketing and more information.

Saturday, June 15, 2024

1:00pm, 2:30pm and 4:00pm

45-minute round-trip train rides pulled by the BNSF 3613 diesel locomotive will depart from the Enginehouse at 2250 SE Water Avenue in Portland. Enjoy scenic landscape and wildlife along the east bank of the Willamette River. 

Tickets: $20 for adults; $15 kiddos 3-12; Children 2 and under ride free (on lap); Military & Seniors $18

Visit www.orhf.org/saturday-train-rides for tickets and more information.

Snacks and adult & kid-friendly beverages will be available for purchase. We will have plenty of old beer for dad! Onboard activities for kids of all ages.

May 16, 2024

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Nonmedical vaccine exemptions for kindergartners hits record high

But OHA finds most Oregon parents, guardians still choose to immunize kids

PORTLAND, Ore.—Schools reported the highest rate ever for students claiming nonmedical exemptions from the state’s school vaccination requirements, new Oregon Health Authority (OHA) data show.

Statewide, 8.8% of kindergartners had a nonmedical exemption for one or more required vaccines, up from 8.1% in 2023 and 6.9% in 2022. In 2023, Oregon had the second highest nonmedical exemption rate in the country, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data.

Analysts with OHA’s Oregon Immunization Program found that 86.4% of kindergartners received all required vaccines in 2024, down from 87.1% in 2023 and 88.4% in 2022. The decrease in kindergarten immunization rates marks two consecutive years of decline.

Stacy de Assis Matthews, immunization school law coordinator at the Oregon Immunization Program, said the best defense against vaccine-preventable diseases is a well-immunized community, which also protects children who cannot be immunized because of age or medical condition.

“The concern is that a highly contagious disease, such as measles, will be introduced to a school that doesn’t have high immunization rates and that students will become sick,” Matthews said. She noted that, as of May 10, there were 132 cases of measles in the U.S. in 2024, of which 81% were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status, CDC data show.

But by far, most Oregon parents and guardians choose to have their children immunized, Matthews said. Schools reported that 91% of students in kindergarten through 12^th grade received all required vaccines in 2024. However, this rate has been decreasing over time.

“School immunization laws help make sure kids can go to school in a safe and healthy environment free of vaccine-preventable diseases,” Matthews said. “These laws help support OHA’s goal of eliminating health disparities by 2030 by making sure each child’s immunization record is checked annually, and any child who is behind can be brought up to date on vaccines every year.”

Data from Oregon’s ALERT Immunization Information System provides a detailed look at childhood immunizations and adolescent immunizations, including immunization rates by race and ethnicity. OHA also maintains a summary of kindergarten immunization and exemption rates, which were updated this month, and a county and state immunization and exemption rate dashboard updated in August 2023 (2024 data will be available later this summer).

OHA also has individual school and child care immunization rate interactive maps (2024 data will be available later this summer) and individual school and child care immunization rate spreadsheets, also updated this month.

There are several resources for parents and guardians to get their kids vaccinated:

• Information about immunization requirements for the 2024-2025 school year and school immunization forms are available in 17 languages.
• If a person needs help in finding a clinic, they can contact 211 or their local health department. 211Info has English and Spanish speakers available, as well as interpreter services in many different languages.
• If a child has Medicaid/Oregon Health Plan or no insurance, or is American Indian/Alaska Native, immunizations are available at low or no cost through the Vaccines for Children program.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A La Grande, Oregon man was sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison Wednesday for sexually abusing and transporting two minors from Washington State he met through Snapchat.

Albert Wayne Johnson, 42, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison and 10 years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, on August 8, 2022, deputies from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of two minors abandoned at Barton Park in Boring, Oregon. The children told the deputies they met Johnson on Snapchat and that he had driven them from Washington State through Idaho and into Oregon, and had sexually abused both during the trip. Along the way, Johnson stopped at a motel in Othello, Washington, where he abused the children, and a campground near La Grande, where he continued to abuse one of the children. After arriving in Boring, Johnson left the children at a campsite in Barton Park and never returned.

In August 2022, after receiving information about the abduction and abuse that had occurred, detectives from the Othello Police Department contacted the motel in Othello and obtained surveillance footage showing Johnson with the two children.

On August 30, 2022, officers and deputies from the La Grande Police Department, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Probation Department, and Umatilla Tribal Police Department located Johnson at his residence in La Grande and arrested him on an outstanding parole violation warrant.

On October 5, 2022, Johnson was charged by criminal complaint with coercing and enticing a minor and transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Later, on November 2, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging Johnson with traveling across state lines to engage in a sexual act with a minor, transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and commission of a sex offense by a registered sex offender.

On January 24, 2024, Johnson pleaded guilty to transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

This case was investigated by the FBI Pendleton Resident Agency with assistance from the Othello Police Department, La Grande Police Department, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Probation Department, Umatilla Tribal Police Department, and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Cassady Adams, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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(EUGENE, Ore.) – Oregon Community Trees is announcing the names of the three individual speakers at the June 27^th Oregon Urban Forestry Conference, being held in Eugene this year. “More Housing, More Trees: Giving Oregonians Both” is the theme of this year’s conference, which is jointly sponsored by the Oregon Dept. of Forestry and USDA Forest Service. 

The latest speaker to confirm is Dutch-Canadian ecological engineer and author Nadina Galle.  Galle’s new book entitled The Nature of Our Cities: Harnessing the Power of the Natural World to Survive a Changing Planet will be published by HarperCollins on June 18. She is winner of the European Space Agency’s top prize for her work on individual tree crown delineation to combat urban deforestation. She has received a number of other academic and entrepreneurial awards, including a Fulbright scholarship for a fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Senseable City Lab, where she still holds a research affiliation. Just this year she was named a National Geographic Explorer, researching how growing cities across Latin America are plugging into the Internet of Nature.  At the conference, Galle will appear virtually and make the case for more tree canopy. 

Making the case for why Oregon needs more housing will be Jena Hughes, a Housing and Growth Management Analyst at the Oregon Dept. of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD). There, she looks for creative solutions to address complex housing challenges guided by equity and sustainability. Before joining DLCD, Hughes spent seven years as a long-range planner in local government. She worked primarily on housing and land-use issues. Hughes studied Sustainable Environmental Design and City and Regional Planning at the University of California, Berkeley. 

Opening speaker for the conference is Eugene mayoral candidate Kaarin Knudson. Knudson is a licensed architect, educator and leader with more than 20 years’ experience advancing sustainable design and community-led solutions. In 2017 she founded the housing advocacy organization Better Housing Together to increase housing affordability, diversity, and supply in Lane County. She has been a longtime member of the City Club of Eugene, and was its president in 2022-23. She advised on the implementation of Oregon’s landmark middle housing laws and for the creation of Eugene’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. She teaches a graduate urban design workshop at the University of Oregon and is co-author of a new textbook, The Sustainable Urban Design Handbook.

Two afternoon panels will dive deeply into discussions of creative ways cities can find new spaces to add tree canopy and how to preserve trees during multi-family housing development. Among the confirmed panelists are:

• Ted Labbe, founding board member of DePave, a non-profit dedicated to urban re-greening.
• Ryan Gilpin, consulting arborist and owner of Nidus Consulting. Gilpin is a contributing author of a book on best management practices for protecting trees during construction.
• Portland developer Eli Spivak.
• Chris Neamtzu, who as Planning Director for the City of Wilsonville planned and implemented many residential neighborhoods where preserved trees are the focal point. He is now Wilsonville’s Community Development Director.
• Trees for Life Oregon board member Jim Gersbach. The organization advocates for the preservation of large, healthy shade trees and the space to plant them in Oregon’s urban communities.

There will also be a variety of poster presentations on topics such as methods of tree preservation during construction, ideas for redesigning streets and right-of-way planting strips to make room for larger trees, and similar concepts. Anyone interested in submitting a presentation can do so here. 

Early registration for the conference is $150 until May 24 and $180 after that. Students can register for $80. Price includes a boxed lunch and social hour beverages and snacks following the conference. To register or for more information, please  go to More Housing, More Trees: Giving Oregonians Both by Oregon Community Trees (givelively.org)

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SALEM, Ore—Celebrate State Parks Day with free parking and free RV and tent site camping at all Oregon State Parks June 1 as well as special events at selected parks.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will waive day-use parking fees at the 25 locations that charge them and camping fees for all tent, RV and horse campsites June 1. 

OPRD will also waive day-use parking fees June 2, to support Free Fishing Days offered by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. 

State Parks Day has been a tradition since 1998 to thank Oregonians for their support of the state park system over many decades.

“Each Oregon state park is here today because of the support, investment and care from Oregonians and all visitors,” said OPRD Director Lisa Sumption. “We host State Parks Day in June to show our appreciation for everyone’s commitment to preserving Oregon’s special places.” 

State Parks Day Events

Several free special events are planned June 1 to celebrate State Parks Day:

Carl G. Washburne: Hot dog BBQ noon-1 p.m. in campground B Loop, across from site 32.

Fort Stevens: Come and play disc golf 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lil' Oozlefinch Putting Course.  Make a putt, win a special prize! Loaner discs available to use.  Giveaways and prizes for all who attend. 

Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail - Mark O. Hatfield West Trailhead: Rangers and park partners will be at the Visitor Center 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with information and self-guided activities.

Jessie Honeyman: Hot dog BBQ 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the back patio of the Historic Cleawox Lodge.

L.L. Stub Stewart: The Friends of Stub Stewart State Park encourages all to come to the Community Fair at the Hilltop Day-use Area Picnic Shelter 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit the booths and tables hosted by local fire departments, state forestry agencies, and local volunteer organizations.  There will also be interpretive displays and arts and crafts activities for everyone.

Milo McIver:  Join a park ranger at the Interpretive Shelter for a Plant Identification Scavenger Hunt 10-11 a.m. Learn about the different traits of plants and how to determine which species grow within the park. Plan to spend approximately 20-30 minutes learning about edible fruits and prickly plants and then 30 minutes on the trail completing the scavenger hunt. 

Silver Falls State Park: Learn about the emerald ash borer (EAB) and its role as a threat to Oregon's ash trees. Oregon State Parks and Oregon Department of Forestry staff will be on hand 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to share information about this destructive pest at the Discovery Table in the Stone Circle in the South Falls day-use area. 

Spring Valley Access: Easy, ½-mile guided hike exploring native plants 11 a.m. Meet at the main parking lot near 8900 Wallace Road NW, Salem, OR, 97304. 

The Cove Palisades: Festival of the Land is a free festival that celebrates the diverse history, food and culture of Central Oregon 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event includes Dutch oven cooking demonstrations, kids’ games and activities, petting “zoo”, mini farmers market, pollinator, wildfire, and fish displays, and more. 

Visit the stateparks.oregon.gov event calendar for a list of additional events this summer.

For camping availability, please check oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com or visit first-come-first served sites: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=reserve.first-come

About Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

The mission of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is to provide and protect outstanding natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations. The department manages 254 Oregon State Parks comprising more than 100,000 acres. Learn more at stateparks.oregon.gov.

MOVE OVER. IT’S THE LAW

Every day, first responders take on personal risk to serve our communities and save lives. Even a routine traffic stop has become risky. The following information comes from the Oregon Department of Transportation (www.oregon.gov/ODOT) and can help keep first responders and commuters safer.

There have been many cases where officers are pulled over on the side of the road when drivers have then crashed into them at high speeds. That’s why there’s a strict law in Oregon designed to help prevent these situations from happening again. 

The Move Over Law (ORS 811.147) states that if you are approaching any type of emergency vehicle, tow truck or roadside assistance vehicle which is stopped on the roadside with emergency lights activated, you must:

• MOVE OVER into another available lane.
• If you can’t safely change lanes, SLOW DOWN to a speed that is at least 5 mph below the posted or designated speed of the roadway.
• In all cases, the driver must try to provide as much room as possible for the emergency vehicle, tow truck or roadside assistance vehicle.

The Move Over Law is in place to help protect law enforcement officers, emergency workers, tow operators and those who routinely provide assistance to motorists along the highways. This group of dedicated professionals face a deadly threat on a daily basis: speeding and inattentive drivers. But the law also exists to protect you. The flashing lights are your cue to move over and slow down. 

If you are approaching the scene of a crash, carefully watch for emergency workers directing traffic and follow all of their instructions.

For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon. 
 

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Funding presented in partnership with the FHLB Des Moines boosts critical work of Habitat for Humanity Portland Region, Hacienda CDC, AGE+ and The Freshwater Trust

PORTLAND, Ore., May 16, 2024 — OnPoint Community Credit Union, in partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines today announced a $600,000 Member Impact Fund grant to four Oregon nonprofits dedicated to affordable housing and environmental conservation. The recipients are Habitat for Humanity Portland Region, Hacienda CDC, AGE+ and The Freshwater Trust. 

Each organization will use its funding to enhance vital community development projects across the region. The four nonprofits receiving this funding were selected by OnPoint based on their current needs in the housing and community development space.

“Each of these organizations plays a pivotal role in fostering stability, growth and resilience in our region,” said Rob Stuart, President and CEO of OnPoint Community Credit Union. “This funding is a critical step towards enhancing the quality of life in the communities we serve. We are proud to partner with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines to provide these grants and invest in a brighter, more sustainable future for all Oregonians.”

How FHLB funding works

The FHLB Des Moines is a government sponsored enterprise that supports both mortgage lending and related community investment, with more than 1,200 member institutions. OnPoint’s membership means that for every dollar it donates, the FHLB Des Moines donates $3. This helps the credit union maximize its support of local nonprofits focused on economic development, affordable housing and conservation. 

FHLB Des Moines’s matching grant program, which was introduced in 2023, will provide nearly $20 million to eligible organizations to strengthen communities in Oregon, Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands this year. In 2024, FHLB Des Moines increased the available grant money in its Member Impact Fund by $10 million.

“We are thrilled to see grants from our Member Impact Fund having a direct, positive impact on communities in Oregon, advancing affordable housing and community development needs in a meaningful way,” said Kris Williams, President and CEO of FHLB Des Moines.

Below are details on each of the nonprofits receiving these grants thanks to OnPoint and the FHBL Member Impact Fund partnership:

Habitat for Humanity Portland Region has built and repaired homes for over 3,000 people with low incomes across the region since 1981. Habitat has over 100 affordable housing units across the Portland Metro region under construction this year, but currently lacks the required construction support to meet the growing demand for housing. Through the Member Impact fund grant, Habitat Portland Region will receive $100,000 to add more support to help build and repair more homes.

“OnPoint Community Credit Union is a growing partner that enhances our work in many ways including volunteerism and vital funding. We are so thankful for this incredible $100,000 grant from OnPoint in collaboration with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. This funding will allow us to hire Americorps positions that will help us grow our volunteer engagement and build more homes throughout the Portland region,” said Steve Messinetti, CEO and President, Habitat for Humanity Portland Region.

Hacienda CDC is Oregon's largest Latino-led, Latino-serving housing organization. Since 1992, it has developed 12 affordable housing communities and served 2,400 people across Portland, Gresham, Molalla and Oregon City. OnPoint has provided financial support to Hacienda CDC since 2015, including donating $5,000 to the Portland Mercado Relief Fund to help vendors from its business development program affected by a fire. Hacienda CDC’s $200,000 Member Impact Fund grant will go toward the development of its new 122-unit affordable housing project in Hillsboro. 

“In Hacienda’s experience, developing affordable housing is a community effort that gets us to the finish line. For example, our Dolores Affordable Housing Project was awarded through a competitive process, which included land from the City of Hillsboro and $10.5 million of capital from Portland, Oregon’s Metro Housing Bond, among several other funding sources. Even with all this support, we still have a funding gap. This investment from OnPoint will be instrumental in bridging that gap and ensuring a commitment to affordable housing in Washington County. We are truly grateful for this community partnership with OnPoint.” said Ernesto Fonseca, CEO, Hacienda CDC.

AGE+ advocates for equitable aging in Oregon by engaging in partnerships and developing innovative programs that build capacity and address the challenges and opportunities of the aging population. AGE+ has developed a creative solution that supports housing-challenged rural communities in building affordable, accessible housing for older residents. AGE+ will use its $200,000 Member Impact Fund grant to replicate their success and share their expertise with communities so more older Oregonians have a place to call home.

“This collaboration with OnPoint is a testament to our mutual dedication to innovation and equity for underserved communities. These funds ensure AGE+ can continue to roll out its modular construction approach of affordable accessible housing for older adults in a rural community, still recovering devastating wildfires,” said Stephanie Hooper, AGE+, President & CEO.

The Freshwater Trust employs advanced technology and scientific expertise to restore and protect freshwater ecosystems. The Freshwater Trust provides capacity for local groups like water districts and farmer collectives to secure and prioritize funding for high-impact conservation projects, such as upgrading irrigation systems, planting trees to provide shade and lower water temperature, and aid the recovery of endangered species. The Freshwater Trust will receive a $100,000 Member Impact Fund grant to build more capacity for its various conservation initiatives.

“This generous donation from OnPoint represents an investment in a new approach to conservation. We need to have laser focus on solutions that are big enough – and bold enough – to match the scale of the problem. The Freshwater Trust is creating a path that ensures every action translates to a positive outcome for the environment and it’s possible because of the support of organizations like OnPoint. Our mission is to preserve and restore freshwater ecosystems and we are grateful to have them as a partner,” said Kimberlee Obilana, Vice President, People & Operations, The Freshwater Trust.

About OnPoint’s Community Giving 
OnPoint provides funding for nonprofits, local government-sponsored projects, educational institutions and foundations that positively impact its membership area. In 2023, OnPoint donated more than $2.5 million donated to 305 nonprofits in Oregon and Southwest Washington focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, financial education, food and shelter, climate change and youth services. For more information about OnPoint’s community giving efforts, visit https://www.onpointcu.com/community-giving/.

ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving over 554,000 members and with assets of $9 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at www.onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932.

ABOUT FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF DES MOINES

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines is deeply committed to strengthening communities, serving 13 states and three U.S Pacific territories as a member-owned cooperative. We work together with over 1,200 member institutions to support affordable housing, economic development and community improvement. 

FHLB Des Moines is one of 11 regional Banks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Members include community and commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, thrifts and community development financial institutions. FHLB Des Moines is wholly owned by its members and receives no taxpayer funding. For additional information about FHLB Des Moines, please visit www.fhlbdm.com.

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Today, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust published its Q1 2024 Grants Report. The report announces:

• 96 total grants to Pacific Northwest nonprofits totaling $16.9 million.
• This includes more than $4.5 million through 18 grants to nonprofits serving the Oregon community.
• The report can be found here. A full list of grantees can be found here.

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is a private, nonprofit foundation that has invested more than $1.4 billion in nonprofits serving the Pacific Northwest since 1975. For details, please visit our website murdocktrust.org.

Two separate committees will meet to score and rank applications for the Preserving Oregon and Diamonds in the Rough Grant programs. The recommendations from the committees will be forwarded to the State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation for final review and approval June 21, 2024. 

Both meetings will be online and in-person at 725 Summer St NE, Salem, Oregon. 

The Diamonds in the Rough Grant Review Committee will meet May 29, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Please see the agenda for access details. 

The Preserving Oregon Grant Review Committee will meet June 5, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Please see the agenda for access details. 

Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling 503-986-0690 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting. For information about the grants contact Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail: i.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov">Kuri.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov. 

CORVALLIS, Ore. – The City of Corvallis and Benton County Emergency Management (BCEM) programs are pleased to announce their collaboration on a wildfire evacuation drill for Benton County on Saturday, May 18^th, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. 

The County's Temporary Evacuation Point (TEP) is the Kalapuya Building on SW Research Way, Corvallis. The City’s TEP will be the Northwest Hills Community Church on Walnut in Corvallis. The drills will involve Community Emergency Response Team volunteers to ensure a coordinated and effective response. 

The drill will serve as a valuable opportunity for residents and emergency responders to practice wildfire evacuation procedures and test communication systems. It is part of ongoing efforts to enhance emergency preparedness in Benton County. 

"We are excited to partner with the City of Corvallis on this important drill," said BCEM Manager Bryan Lee. "By working together, we can better prepare our community for emergencies and ensure that everyone is safe and informed." 

Residents can sign up for emergency evacuation route notifications with the Linn-Benton ALERT system at https://sheriff.bentoncountyor.gov/linn-benton-alert/. After signing up for the alerts you will receive all emergency-related notifications related to your location. 

Participating households have been provided detailed information about the exercise. Community members may notice additional traffic in the area as the evacuation drill gets underway. Unless there is an emergency, neighbors are advised to not call 9-1-1. Please contact the Benton County Call Center at 541-766-6200 with questions about the drill.

For more information about the wildfire evacuation drill and how you can participate, please contact Benton County Emergency Management at gencymanagement@bentoncountyor.gov">emergencymanagement@bentoncountyor.gov or call 541-766-6864.

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The Lane County Sheriff's Office is attempting to locate William David McCormick, 52. He is a person of interest in an assault investigation. McCormick was recently last seen in the Vida and McKenzie Bridge area.

If you have any information regarding McCormick’s location, please call the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4141 and reference case #24-2445.

WHO:  Benton County Voters

WHAT:  Possible traffic and interruption on ballot dropoff box at 4500 SW Research Way.

WHEN:  Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.    

WHY:  This weekend, the City of Corvallis & Benton County Emergency Management programs are conducting a Wildfire Evacuation Drill for the County on May 18, utilizing the Kalapuya Building as a Temporary Evacuation Point (TEP). Despite this, the Ballot Box at the Kalapuya Building at 4500 Research Way will remain accessible to the public, however delays may happen. 

For further information and to locate additional ballot drop sites, please visit Elections-Ballot Drop Sites - Benton County Records and Elections, Oregon.

This advisory is to ensure voters are fully aware of logistical considerations regarding ballot drop-off locations. 

Don't miss your chance to have your voice heard in the May primary election. Every vote counts in shaping our community's future.

Learn more about the May primary: 2024 Primary Election - Benton County Records and Elections, Oregon (bentoncountyor.gov)

Lane County, Ore. 14 May 24- On Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 2:13 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-126, near milepost 1.5, in Lane County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Toyota Rav4, operated by Katherine Lee Horath (46) of Myrtle Creek, crossed into the eastbound lane for unknown reasons and struck a Chevrolet Equinox, operated by Rainbow Adah Tornell (52) of Eugene, head-on.

A passenger in the Toyota, Reania Danielle Horath (30) of Myrtle Creek, was declared deceased at the scene. The operator of the Toyota (Katherine Horath) and passengers- Timothy Richard Worrell (34) of Myrtle Creek and a female juvenile- were all transported to a local medical center for treatment of injuries.

The operator of the Chevrolet (Tornell) and a passenger, Siage Jacqueline Donaldson (25) of Eugene, were transported to a local medical center for treatment of injuries.

The highway was impacted for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Florence Police Department, Siuslaw Valley Fire, and ODOT.

# # #

  
About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon. 

On Tuesday, May 15^th, at approximately 8:05pm the Lincoln City Police Department responded to a report of an assault in the parking lot of the Ashley Inn (3430 NE Highway 101). Officers arriving at the scene found one male, 69-year-old Milwaukie resident Bradley Jay Cole, seriously injured and unconscious.

30-year-old Roland Evans-Freke, a transient, was detained and later lodged at the Lincoln County Jail for Murder in the Second Degree, Assault in the Second degree, and Robbery in the Second Degree.

LCPD Officers, North Lincoln Fire and Rescue, and Pacific West Ambulance provided medical care to Mr. Cole, but were unable to resuscitate him.  Mr. Cole was pronounced deceased at the scene.

At this time there is no reason to believe there is any danger to the public.

LCPD would like to thank North Lincoln Fire and Rescue, Pacific West Ambulance, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oregon State Police for their assistance in this case.

We will continue to release additional information as the investigation unfolds. Anyone with any information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Weaver at 541-994-3636.

Submitted by:  

Sergeant Torin Liden

Lieutenant Jeffrey Winn

SALEM, Ore. — The Committee for Family Forestlands will meet virtually for a special meeting on Monday, May 20 from 1 to 3 p.m. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda. 

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Discuss comments on Vision for Oregon’s Forests

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Zoom. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 24 hours before the meeting by emailing estlands@odf.oregon.gov">committee.of.family.forestlands@odf.oregon.gov.

The 13-member committee researches policies that affect family forests, natural resources and forestry benefits. Based on its findings, the committee recommends actions to the Oregon Board of Forestry and the State Forester. View more information on the CFF webpage.

Over the last two days, staff and volunteers from Lincoln County, City of Newport and the Oregon Department of Human Services Office of Resilience and Emergency Management worked together to erect the state’s second evacuation assembly point (EAP). This emergency preparedness exercise is the largest Cascadia preparedness exercise of its kind to date. It took a little more than three hours to set up all 18 tents, which included dormitories, eating area, shower tent and command post. Fifty-seven staff and volunteers spent the night in dormitory tents. 

Rep. David Gomberg, Rep. Paul Evans, Lincoln County Commissioner Kaety Jacobson, Lincoln County Emergency Manager Samantha Buckley and ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht gave brief comments to the media and answered their questions. 

Media remarks were followed by a meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners live from the EAP site. 

The highlight of the afternoon was an aerial demonstration involving Scappoose Fire District, Life Flight and the Coast Guard. Scappoose used drones to simulate different emergency scenarios including delivering communications equipment and medical supplies to the EAP. Life Flight landed a helicopter to deliver medical supplies. The Coast Guard simulated rescuing a person from the ground and hoisting them up to a hovering helicopter. 

Pictures and videos of the exercise are available to download at: https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/vUf9bdRivQ

The Oregon State Marine Board’s representative for the Western States Boating Administrators Association (WSBAA), along with other agency staff will be attending the WSBAA annual conference in Astoria, May 20 – 23.

“Having the conference in our backyard is a tremendous opportunity to showcase our incredible boating state,” says Brian Paulsen, the Marine Board’s Boating Safety Program Manager and Boating Law Administrator for Oregon. “It’s even more special because two of our marine law enforcement partners are receiving regional awards for their exceptional service and contribution to recreational boating safety in Oregon. They will receive their awards during the award dinner reception on May 22.”

Sergeant Nate Thompson from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office was nominated for the prestigious Hollister Award. In 2023, Sergeant Thompson led the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office marine patrol team and completed over 7,000 boater contacts during the boating season. In whole, the program completed 1/5th of the total boater contacts made statewide among the other 31 County Sheriff’s Offices and the Oregon State Police. Sergeant Thompson and his team also assisted neighboring counties during the peak salmon fishing seasons for heightened awareness and boating safety patrols. Sergeant Thompson has been with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office for over 20 years, where the majority of that time he has worked in marine law enforcement. Sergeant Thompson exemplifies excellence in education through enforcement, positive interactions with boaters, boating safety intervention by conversation, and training the next generation of marine law enforcement officers. He has undeniably made a tremendous impact on thousands of boaters across Oregon and trained dozens of marine law enforcement officers for the future of boating safety.

Also from Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Marine Deputy Adam Peterson was nominated for the Western Region’s Officer of the Year Award. Since being assigned to marine patrol, Deputy Peterson completed 5,826 boater safety compliance examinations. In 2023, Deputy Peterson logged 429 motorized and 1,405 non-motorized boater contacts. Knowing that most drownings occur when boaters are not wearing a life jacket, he issued 27 citations and 56 warnings for life jacket violations. 

In 2023, 246 citations were written for life jacket violations in Oregon, meaning Deputy Peterson accounted for over 1/10th of all life jacket citation violations statewide. 

Deputy Petersons dedication to marine law enforcement and boating safety is shown not only through his public interactions, but also by his dedication to training other marine law enforcement around the state. Deputy Peterson is one of the top marine instructors in the Oregon State Marine Board’s marine law enforcement training program. His ability to operate a drift boat, jet boat and teach marine law enforcement to his peers surpasses every and all expectations. Evaluations from his peers include words such as “professional”, “dedicated” and “heroic.”   

The Western States Boating Administrators Association (WSBAA) is a non-profit organization that brings together boating law administrators and recreational boating professionals from the Western United States, including American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Coast Guard to discuss boating safety issues of mutual concern. The annual conference is the stage for collaborative conversations to share best practices in boating education, law enforcement, waterway management; promote greater uniformity in boating laws and recognize the achievements of members. 

Ten couples will say “I do” on Friday, May 17, at the Lane County Courthouse as part of a Love Is Love celebration. The afternoon will begin with a welcome from Lane County Circuit Court Judge Kamala Shugar, Presiding Lane County Circuit Court Judge Jay McAlpin, and Lane County Commissioner Laurie Trieger. There will be a discussion of the significant ruling that made same-sex marriage available in Oregon with U.S. District Court Judge Michael McShane and attorney Jennifer Middleton. The couples will then exchange vows in ceremonies officiated by several Circuit Court judges. The wedding ceremonies will be followed by a reception for the couples and their guests.

“Ten years ago, Judge McShane’s ruling recognized marriage equality in our state, ensuring access to all Oregonians,” said Judge Shugar. “To have so many community members and organizations come together to celebrate love is a wonderful way to mark this anniversary. It will be an honor to be part of these couples’ special day.”

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY: 

Journalists are welcome to attend and cover the event, including some of the marriage ceremonies. 

When: Friday, May 17, at 1:30 p.m.

Where: Harris Hall in the Lane County Public Service Building (125 E. 8^th Avenue)

Details: Welcome at 1:30 p.m.; marriage ceremonies beginning at 2:30 p.m.; reception following

Actor and music artist Calvin Orlando Smith will sing at the event, accompanied by pianist Gus Russell. Local organizations have donated decorations, flowers, cake, photography and more. Fees for marriage licenses are being covered by Lane County Commissioner Laurie Trieger and the Circuit Court waived the standard officiant fee. 

University of Oregon law student Sean Downing will moderate the discussion with McShane and Middleton. 

The Love Is Love celebration honors the tenth anniversary of Judge McShane’s ruling in the consolidated cases of Rummell vs. Kitzhaber and Geiger vs. Kitzhaber that held Oregon’s exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage was unconstitutional. On May 19, 2014, Judge McShane ruled that Oregon’s ban on marriage for lesbian and gay couples (Measure 36) violated the U.S. Constitution. His ruling paved the way for couples to begin marrying immediately. 

More information about Judge McShane, Judge Shugar, Sean Downing, and Calvin Orlando Smith is attached. 

Event partners:

Lane County Circuit Court, Lane County Clerk’s Office, Lane County Bar Association, the Hershner Hunter, Hutchinson Cox, Johnson Johnson Lucas and Middleton, and Corson and Johnson law firms, Oregon Women Lawyers, Lane County Women Lawyers, University of Oregon School of Law OUTLaws, Abcam, HIV Alliance, Transponder, Pride Eugene, and Dragon Song Farm.

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MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces its 2024 commencement on Saturday, June 15 at 10 a.m. on the MacArthur Field. Over 1,237 students are eligible to walk across the stage and graduate, completing a significant milestone in their lives. Nearly 50 percent of Western students are first-generation, meaning they are the first in their families to graduate with a four-year degree.

A first-generation student herself, Western is proud to announce its commencement speaker, Congresswoman Andrea Salinas. Salinas, the daughter of a Mexican immigrant, is one of the first Latinas to represent Oregon in Congress. After putting herself through college, Salinas pursued public service as a congressional aide and policy advisor, as well as an advocate for labor unions, environmental groups, and reproductive rights organizations. In 2017, she was appointed to the Oregon House of Representatives and served through the end of her term in 2022. In the Oregon House of Representatives, she served as House Majority Whip and was the Chair of the House Health Care Committee.

In Congress, Salinas is proud to serve on the House Agriculture and House Science, Space, and Technology Committees, where she crafts policies that will help level the playing field for Oregon farmers and rural communities and create more good-paying, union jobs. As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Mental Health Caucus, she has prioritized making mental health care and addiction treatment more accessible and affordable.

"We are honored to welcome Congresswoman Salinas as the keynote speaker for this year’s commencement ceremony,” remarked President Jesse Peters. “As both a first-generation American and a first-generation college student herself, she understands the transformative power of education. Her remarks will undoubtedly inspire our graduates, highlighting the possibilities that lie ahead for them. Western Oregon University is the only four-year public university serving her district. We value her advocacy for higher education and the support she has extended to our university.”

“As a first-generation college student myself, I am so grateful for the opportunity to speak at this year’s commencement ceremony,” said Rep. Salinas. “Growing up, my parents taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and community—the very same values that Western instills in each and every one of its students. I know these graduates have the skills they need to succeed, and I look forward to congratulating the Class of 2024 as they take the next big step into the future.”

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About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon's oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction.  Together we succeed.

May 15, 2024

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

When in doubt, stay out: Increasing temperatures create potential for toxins in water

PORTLAND, Ore.—As summer approaches, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reminds people heading outdoors to enjoy Oregon’s lakes, rivers and reservoirs to be on the look-out for potentially toxic cyanobacteria blooms.

Cyanobacteria are beneficial bacteria found in all fresh water worldwide. The bacteria can multiply into blooms in any water body under the right conditions — warm weather, sunlight, water temperature, nutrients and water chemistry. Many blooms are harmless, but some can produce cyanotoxins that make people and animals sick.

Exposure to cyanotoxins occurs when water is swallowed while swimming, or when people inhale water droplets during high-speed activities such as water-skiing or wakeboarding. Symptoms of exposure to cyanotoxins include:

• Diarrhea
• Cramps
• Vomiting
• Numbness
• Dizziness and fainting

Although cyanotoxins are not absorbed through the skin, people with sensitive skin can develop a red, raised rash when wading, playing or swimming in or around a bloom.

Children and pets are particularly sensitive to illness because of their size and activity levels. Similarly, livestock and wildlife can become ill and die after drinking from water bodies, troughs or other sources of drinking water affected by blooms and potential toxins.

Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore. It is very important to get a pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible if they exhibit diarrhea, vomiting, breathing problems, difficulty walking or standing, or loss of appetite.

Very few freshwater bodies in Oregon are monitored for cyanotoxins. For this reason, it is important for people to carefully observe any water body they choose to recreate in before taking the plunge.

OHA recommends that everyone stay out of water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like pea-green or blue-green paint, or where brownish-red mats are present. Additionally, since blooms can wash up on the shore, people should avoid areas with algal mats that are either attached, floating or stranded on the shore.

Even then, looks can be deceiving. Certain blooms grow on or near the bottom of water bodies such as lakes and rivers. While some blooms make and release toxins into the water, they don’t change how the surface of the water looks, making them hard to see.

Community members looking for visual examples can find pictures of algae blooms in the Algae Bloom Photo Gallery or watch an explainer video on blooms at OHA’s official YouTube channel. If you are unsure, follow OHA’s guidance of “When in doubt, stay out.”

Open recreational areas where blooms are identified can still be enjoyed for activities such as camping, hiking, biking, picnicking and bird watching. By being aware of signs of a bloom and taking appropriate precautions to reduce or eliminate exposure, local communities can enjoy water activities such as canoeing, boating and fishing, as long as boat speeds do not create excessive water spray, and fish are cleaned appropriately.

To learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body, visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0440. For campground or lake information, call the local management agency.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 15, 2024

CONTACT INFORMATION:
umenauer@employ.oregon.gov">Gail Krumenauer, State Employment Economist
(971) 301-3771
Video and Audio available at 10 a.m.
David Cooke, Economist (971) 375-5288

Oregon’s Nonfarm Payroll Employment Rises by 4,900 in April

In April, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 4,900 jobs, following a revised gain of 2,600 jobs in March. April’s gains were largest in health care and social assistance (+1,700 jobs); construction (+1,500); and manufacturing (+900). Monthly declines were largest in professional and business services (-1,100 jobs).

Over the past two years, health care and social assistance continued to add jobs at a rapid, consistent pace. The sector grew by 16,600 jobs, or 5.9%, since April 2023 following a gain of 13,900 jobs, or 5.2%, between April 2022 and April 2023. Within the broader sector, social assistance accelerated its expansion in recent months, as it added 4,800 jobs during the past five months. The three component industries within health care each expanded rapidly over the past 12 months: nursing and residential care facilities (+3,300 jobs); hospitals (+2,900); and ambulatory health care services (+2,800).

Government, which added 9,400 jobs, or 3.1%, since April 2023, was the only other major sector growing quickly in the past 12 months. Each of its three components grew rapidly during that time: local government (+6,100 jobs, or 2.7%); state government (+2,100 jobs, or 4.6%); and federal government (+1,200 jobs, or 4.2%).

Meanwhile, more than half of the major industries reduced employment over the past 12 months, with manufacturing (-3,700 jobs, or -1.9%) and retail trade (-2,300 jobs, or -1.1%) cutting the most. Furthermore, professional and business services (-1,600 jobs); information (-1,100); and construction (-1,000) each shed at least 1,000 jobs.

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.2% in April, the same as in February and March. Since October 2021, Oregon’s unemployment rate has stayed between 3.4% and 4.2%, averaging 3.9%. The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.9% in April and 3.8% in March.

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Next Press Releases

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the April county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, May 21, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for May on Thursday, June 20.

This week marks National Police Week. This week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others while honoring those who commit themselves to the field of law enforcement. Our own county has had many deputies – and even a sheriff – lay down their lives in service to the people of our county.  Join us in remembering their sacrifice. 

Sheriff W. W. Withers

February 7, 1903 - Sheriff William W. Withers was killed attempting to apprehend Elliott Lyons, a horse thief, wanted in Jackson County. The slayer escaped, but a huge posse was formed and he was captured in Creswell under a train that was heading out of town.  In Eugene, Oregon, under the direction of Fred Fisk, a deputy under Withers and a Lane County Judge, witnessed the hanging of Lyons outside the Lane County Courthouse. This was the last public function of the kind in the state.  He was survived by his wife and son. 

Deputy C. Rollin Wicks

May 14, 1937 - Deputy Rollin Wicks was killed by a neighbor during arrest after the man shot and wounded another neighbor while engaged in a dispute. Deputy Wicks was unarmed at the time. Deputies surrounded the house for five hours while tear gas was rushed to the scene from Salem. The suspect later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after holding off deputies, state police officers, employees of the nearby Booth Kelly Mill and residents of Wendling.

Chief Criminal Detective David Hefner

July 13, 1957 - Chief Criminal Detective David D. Hefner responded to a family disturbance call in the River Road area. During the altercation, Detective Hefner was shot in the back.  Trooper Charles Sanders was shot and killed when he arrived on scene to assist. Detective Hefner spent four months in a local hospital before succumbing to the wound. The suspect was sentenced to 25 years, but was paroled after 9 years. Hefner was survived by his wife and five children.

Deputy Robert Riley

August 17, 1958 - Deputy Robert M. Riley was riding in an off-duty capacity with a Springfield Police Officer and merchant patrolman. While in pursuit of a speeding vehicle that was fleeing the scene of a reported alarm activation, an intoxicated driver turned in front of the patrol car. The officer used evasive measures to avoid the drunk driver, but in doing so ran into a car in a gas station lot and then a telephone pole. Mr. Riley, a Lane County reserve deputy, died as a result of the injuries suffered in the accident. Riley was survived by his wife and son.

Deputy Carlton Smith

July 6, 1965 - Deputy Carlton Smith was killed on his first night of patrol as a solo officer. While making a traffic stop in the area which is now the Valley River Center off ramp, he was shot by Carl Cletus Bowles and Wilford Gray, both escaped convicts. Carl Cletus Bowles escaped from Oregon State Penitentiary custody June of 1974 and was the focus of a huge manhunt in Eugene on June 14, 1974. He subsequently kidnapped a couple from South Eugene and later murdered them in Washington. He was recaptured and convicted of the homicides. Deputy Smith left a widow, Margaret Perdue, five sons and a daughter. Randy Smith became a Captain with the Lane County Sheriff's Office and another son, Don Smith, worked as a Eugene Police officer.  One of his step-grandsons is currently a patrol sergeant at the Sheriff’s Office. 

Detective Roy Dirks

April 11, 1975 - Detective Roy H. Dirks was investigating a drowning incident in the Blue River area when he was shot and killed by Belinda Lederer, a member of the Norman "Snake" Brooks family. Lederer was convicted of manslaughter and Brooks was convicted of hindering prosecution. The suspects belonged to a communal group that had prior contacts with Detective Dirks. Roy previously was a resident deputy in the Cottage Grove area.  He was survived by his four children. 

Sergeant Carl Frazier

October 9, 1979 - Sgt. Carl L. Frazier died of a heart attack climbing a hill during a marijuana eradication investigation near Florence. Sergeant Frazier had served as the supervisor for the Florence outpost of the Lane County Sheriff's Office.

PRESS RELEASE  - May 15, 2024

Subhead: Construction Begins at Beaverton High School With 1994 Graduate Heading The Team - Skanska to Rebuild Largest School Project Within 2022 Bond 

New structure will improve learning through gathering, study, and flex spaces  (See rendering attached)

Skanska, a leading global development and construction firm, has broken ground to rebuild the historic Beaverton High School, at 13000 S.W. 2^nd Avenue. 

The new Beaverton High School will comprise a 300,500-square-foot, three-story building surrounding a 15,500-square-foot, enclosed courtyard. Construction work includes a new academic and gymnasium building as well as new student and staff parking lots, athletic field structures and landscaping, with an opening date of fall, 2026. With just over $211 million in budgeted funds for construction and building materials, the new high school and campus will be the largest project within the Beaverton School District #48J’s 2022 bond. 

The new building will include pre-fabricated exterior walls built offsite and transported for installation; solar panels, skylights and large windows to reduce the school’s dependence on electricity while providing ample natural light. 

As the oldest high school in the city, Beaverton High is also believed to be the oldest in-use public high school in the state of Oregon in its original location and building. The original structure, which has been modified and added onto over many years, dates back to 1916.

“We look forward to having a modernized campus that meets students’ needs and functions as community evacuation center in case of a disaster,” said Andrew Kearl , Principal at Beaverton High School. “Skanska is well positioned to ensure student safety during construction, while supporting our efforts to provide a positive learning environment throughout the construction process.” 

“As a Beaverton High graduate, I’m honored to rebuild this school to better serve the existing and future student body,” said Trevor Wyckoff, Skanska account manager and senior vice president who is overseeing the project (Class of 1994). “I have confidence in Skanska’s ability to deliver a school that improves the student experience and exceeds the expectations of the community. I hope our work will inspire students to go into construction, we could use more BHS grads to impact our industry. I look forward to celebrating alongside students, teachers, administrators, and neighbors when we complete this project.” 

The school’s current, standalone cafeteria building will remain, with a new covered walkway connecting it to the new academic and gymnasium building. The new academic spaces will also entail new shop space for instruction to support the school’s emerging career technical education curriculum.

The new construction plan also includes a modernized performing arts area and athletic field improvements. The new theater will have modern features, including cedar wood to improve acoustics and bring in elements from the existing theater into the new space. “Skanska built the popular Patricia Reser Center for the Arts just a few blocks away, so we are excited to bring this important and recent expertise to Beaverton High’s arts community,” added Wyckoff.

Enhancements to the athletic fields on the south and west parts of Beaverton High’s campus will include re-turfing, adding four tennis courts and constructing a new field house adjacent to the baseball diamonds.

After students and staff move into the new academic center, the current school will be demolished to make way for increased parking access and to alleviate congestion and overflow into surrounding neighborhoods.

The project’s live construction camera can be found at https://view.ceros.com/skanska/beaverton-high-school/p/4. 

Contact

• Daniela Arellano, Communications Director, ellano@skanska.com">daniela.arellano@skanska.com; (213) 317-4977
• Dianne Danowski Smith, Publix Northwest, dianne@publixnw.com; (503) 201-7019

About Skanska

Skanska uses knowledge and foresight to shape the way people live, work, and connect. More than 135 years in the making, we’re one of the world’s largest development and construction companies. We operate in select markets throughout the Nordics, Europe and the United States. Skanska in the U.S. is headquartered in New York City with 28 offices around the country. In 2023, construction in the U.S. generated $7.1 billion in revenue, and as a developer in the U.S., Skanska has invested a total value of $4.6 billion in commercial and multi-family projects. Together with our customers and the collective expertise of our 6,500 teammates in the U.S. and 27,000 globally, we create innovative and sustainable solutions that support healthy living beyond our lifetime. 

Volunteers are needed to support families affected by continuous disasters.   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

[Portland, ORE, May 14, 2024] — Residents of Oregon and SW Washington are anticipating another busy wildfire season as the climate crisis threatens to upend more communities. The best defense during an emergency is to be prepared and the American Red Cross, Cascades Region advises everyone to get ready now. 

“Today, the Red Cross is responding to more large disasters — almost twice as many — than we did a decade ago,” said Priscilla Fuentes, CEO of the Red Cross Cascades Region. “This growing need for help means we need more volunteers trained and ready to support families facing their darkest moments. Plus, it is critical for Oregon and SW Washington residents to make an emergency plan now.” 

The number of billion-dollar disasters in the U.S. has increased 85% in just the last decade as disasters grow in frequency and intensity. People across the country are feeling the impact as an estimated 2.5 million were forced from their homes by weather-related disasters in 2023 — with more than a third displaced for longer than a month. 

LOCALLY:

• In 2020, Oregon experienced the worst wildfires on record, burning over a million acres of land. The Red Cross sheltered thousands of people for months across the state.  
• In 2021, Oregon experienced a heat dome with record high temperatures. Later that summer, we responded to the Bootleg Fire which was the third largest in Oregon history.  
• In 2022, dozens of fires consumed 465,000 acres. The Red Cross opened 10 shelters in one month alone. A wildfire erupted in Clark County in October, an unusually late time in the year.  
• In 2023, the Red Cross started the summer with four times as many wildfire responses than the previous year. Our Cascades Region sent people on over 300 deployments, from Alaska to Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Maui wildfires. 
• In 2024, we are anticipating warmer summer temperatures which can intensify wildfire activity. 

Comprising 90% of the Red Cross workforce, volunteers are continuously providing shelter, comfort, hot meals, health services and recovery support to families in need across the country. We need you! 

VOLUNTEER TODAY The Red Cross is seeking new volunteers who are team-oriented and want to make an immediate difference. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to sign up. Free online training will be provided.  

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOUSEHOLD With the increasing risk of climate-driven disasters, help keep your family safe by getting prepared today.  

• Build an emergency kit with bottled water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, and battery-powered radio. Also include medications, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers and emergency contact information.
• Make an evacuation plan with what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and if you must evacuate. Make sure to coordinate with your child’s school, your work and your community’s emergency plans — and don’t forget your pets.
• Know how to stay informed by finding out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.

Plus, download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and more safety tips. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps. 

About the American Red Cross:  

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.  

# # # 

Lane County Public Health (LCPH) has declared a community-wide pertussis outbreak due to a surge in cases surpassing typical community, regional, or seasonal expectations. In the last 7 days, the number of presumptive and confirmed cases has doubled, putting the total number of cases at nearly 40, with more awaiting lab results. While some of the cases are linked, there are sporadic cases scattered throughout the area indicating community spread. So far in 2024, there have been 120 cases statewide in Oregon, as compared to 17 at this time last year. LCPH emphasizes the urgency for the community to implement precautionary measures to mitigate further spread of this highly contagious respiratory infection.

“We are seeing a number of cases in very young children and at-risk populations,” said LCPH Deputy Health Officer, Dr. Lisandra Guzman. “Their health depends on our actions, so now is the time to do everything we can to protect them.”

Recognizing the severity of pertussis, especially for vulnerable populations such as infants, pregnant people, young children, and individuals with underlying medical conditions, LCPH emphasizes the importance of getting tested at the earliest onset of symptoms, staying up to date with pertussis vaccinations, and practicing good respiratory hygiene. This is especially crucial for pregnant people and those in close contact with young children.

Infants and children <7 years old should adhere to the DTaP vaccination series, while adolescents are advised to obtain a single dose of Tdap, ideally at age 11 or 12, to bolster community immunity. Pregnant people should receive a Tdap during the third trimester of each pregnancy to provide vital protection for themselves and their infants. Adults should also receive at least 1 dose of Tdap vaccine, and can receive one every 10 years. Pertussis vaccination is available through your primary care provider, local pharmacies, and for those without insurance, a Federally Qualified Health Center.

Pertussis, commonly called "whooping cough," is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. Pertussis can spread through the air when infected people cough or sneeze. In an unvaccinated population, one case of pertussis can cause as many as 16 new cases. Pertussis usually starts with mild upper respiratory symptoms that can sometimes mimic seasonal allergies, the common cold, or even influenza, underscoring the importance of timely testing for those individuals in close contact with a vulnerable person.

Symptoms also include prolonged coughing fits, often accompanied by a distinctive "whoop" sound during inhalation, gagging or vomiting while coughing, and exhaustion. Complications, if left untreated, especially in infants, can be severe and include pneumonia, dehydration, seizures, and even brain damage.

Call 9-1-1 immediately if you or your child is:

· Struggling to breathe

· Turning blue or purple

LCPH recommends practicing good hygiene to prevent the spread of the bacteria that cause pertussis and other respiratory illnesses:

· Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

· Throw away used tissues in a waste basket right away.

· Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow if you don't have a tissue. Never cough into your hands, as pertussis can be spread this way.

· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

· Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

· Stay home when you are sick

In the event of a pertussis diagnosis, adherence to prescribed antibiotics and isolation from others until you are no longer infectious is crucial. Individuals can transmit the bacteria from the onset of symptoms for up to three weeks after coughing fits begin.

For more information about pertussis prevention and treatment, visit the LCPH website, at http://www.lanecountyor.gov/publichealth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 14, 2024

Commissioners Issue Proclamation for Peace Officer Memorial

Day and Police Week in Douglas County

(Douglas County, Ore.) – Douglas County Commissioners Chris Boice, Tim Freeman, and Tom Kress were honored to be invited to part of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Peace Officer Memorial Day Ceremony held today, Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the Douglas County Courthouse. 

The special Peace Officer Memorial Day Ceremony takes place annually to honor and remember our Douglas County law enforcement officers that perished while in the line of duty.  Sheriff John Hanlin opened the ceremony and welcomed the crowd to the annual remembrance ceremony.  He expressed an appreciation to all the men and women who proudly don the police uniform and extended his sincere gratitude for the six Douglas County officers that lost their lives while standing up for the safety and protection of others.  Sheriff Hanlin then acknowledged, thanked, and paid respect to the families of our fallen police officers. Lastly, he thanked the families of police officers and public safety officials past and present for their support and sacrifice. 

Sheriff Hanlin introduced Commissioner Chris Boice who read a proclamation on behalf of all three of the Douglas County Commissioners proclaiming Wednesday, May 15, 2024, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week of May 12-18, 2024, as Police Week in Douglas County.  He called upon all citizens of Douglas County to “observe May 15, 2024, as Peace Officers Memorial Day in memory of our law enforcement officers, who through their courageous deeds, have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities, and asked them to also recognize and pay respect to the families of our fallen heroes.”  He further proclaimed “May 12-18, 2024, as National Police Week in Douglas County, and called upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies in which all of our people may join in commemorating our law enforcement officers, past and present, who, by their faithful and loyal devotion to their profession, have rendered immeasurable service to their communities.”

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard then commenced with the Douglas County Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony with a call to attention by the Honor Guard. It was followed by a bagpipe performance of "The Green Hills of Tyrol" by an Honor Guard bagpiper.  The Honor Guard then presented the colors and raised the Peace Officer Memorial Flag below the United States and Oregon Flag. Then respectfully lowered all three flags to half-staff status.  Sheriff John Hanlin and Roseburg Police Chief Gary Klopfenstein then placed ceremonial wreaths on either side of the Douglas County Fallen Police Officer Memorial. DCSO 911 Communications Dispatch then conducted a special radio broadcast in honor of the fallen officers:

•    Officer Donald DeSues - Roseburg Police Department - EOW August 7, 1959

•    Special Deputy Ronald H. Terwilliger - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985

•    Corporal Virgle D. Knight Jr. - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985

•    Sergeant Gerald G. Chirrick - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985

•    Deputy Morris L. Taylor - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW September 14, 2002

•    Deputy S. Allen Burdic - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW March 11, 2021

The radio broadcast was followed by a 21-gun salute and the ceremonial playing of taps on the cornet, performed by members of the Honor Guard.  The ceremony concluded with the traditional playing of "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes, a final call to attention, and dismissal. 

Following the ceremony, Commissioner Boice, Commissioner Freeman and Commissioner Kress presented proclamation certificates to Sheriff John Hanlin and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office; Chief Gary Klopfenstein and the City of Roseburg Police Department; Chief Troy Mills and the City of Sutherlin Police Department; Chief Jonathan Brewster and the City of Myrle Creek Police Department; Chief Brandon Sarti and the City of Winston Police Department; Chief John Carter and the City of Reedsport Police Department; Chief Marty Case and the Cow Creek Tribal Police Department; Chief Timothy Plunkett and the Roseburg VA Health Care System Police Department; and George Masner and the Roseburg BLM Rangers Office. A special thank you to the City of Roseburg Fire Department, Douglas County Fire District #2 and many community members for their support and attendance. 

  A copy of the video presentation of the entire ceremony can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.  To learn more about the National Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week visit https://nleomf.org/.

###

Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Public Information Officer | Phone: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Proclamation Attached. Photos © K.Trenkle/Douglas County. Individual photos available upon request.

Eugene, OR. At just after 3pm, Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a reported fire in a duplex in South Eugene. Upon arrival, E15 from the South Hills station found smoke coming from one side of the residence, with an occupant attempting to extinguish a fire in the laundry room. Crews quickly deployed a hoseline to complete fire extinguishment, searched the structure for residents, and checked for fire extension into the walls and ceiling. EPD arrived to assist with traffic control, and ESF Deputy Fire Marshal will complete an investigation.

Eugene, OR Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a grassfire on the shoulder of I-5 southbound just before the Beltline exit.  The fire was burning in relatively green grasses with dead vegetation mixed in and pushed by high winds.  The fire was contained at approximately ½ acres.  ESF was assisted by Coburg Fire District.  This fire serves as a reminder that it takes little heat and wind to start a wildfire. 

Coos County, Ore. 13 May 24- On Monday, May 13, 2024, at 4:35 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Hwy-101, near milepost 250, in Coos County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound Nissan Frontier, operated by Tracy Martin Goforth (63) of Gold Beach, crossed into the southbound lane for unknown reasons and struck a Toyota Prius, operated by Ronald Willam Lyons (76) of Bandon, head-on. The Nissan came to rest in the northbound lane while the Prius spun in the southbound lane and struck a Toyota Venza, operated by Dennis Joseph Dugan (70) of Bandon, nearly head-on.

The operator of the Nissan (Goforth) was transported and declared deceased at the hospital.

The operator of the Prius (Ronald Lyons) and passenger, Delia Villarreal Lyons (73) of Bandon, were transported due to injuries suffered during the crash.

The operator of the Venza (Dennis Dugan) and passenger, Mary Therese Dugan (69) of Bandon, were transported due to injuries suffered during the crash.

The highway was impacted for approximately 15 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by Green Acres Fire, Bandon Fire, and ODOT.

# # #

  
About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon. 

Fatal Crash – Hwy. 213 – Clackamas County
Clackamas County near Mulino

CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. 14 May 2024 – On Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 2:54 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on Hwy. 213 near milepost 13 in Clackamas County.  

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Yamaha motorcycle, operated by Steven Andrew Boyles (38) of Oregon City, was traveling northbound when he lost control of the motorcycle for an unknown reason and left the roadway off the northbound shoulder. 

The operator of the motorcycle (Boyles) was declared deceased at the scene. 

The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation.

Oregon State Police was assisted by the Molalla Police Department, Molalla Fire Department, and the Clackamas County Medical Examiner’s Office. 

# # #

  
About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon. 

May 14, 2024

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Opioid Settlement Board OKs $13.7 million to boost Oregon’s prevention workforce

OHA to provide allocation proposed by Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment & Recovery Board (Settlement Board) has approved a proposal to direct $13.7 million toward increasing and strengthening the state’s substance use prevention workforce.

On May 8, the Board approved an Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission (ADPC) proposal to build Oregon’s workforce capacity for primary substance use disorder prevention by providing:

• $9.5 million to counties to strengthen local prevention workforce and evidence-based prevention programming.
• Nearly $3.8 million to culturally and linguistically specific community-based organizations and regional health equity coalitions to increase the number of primary prevention initiatives in communities experiencing disproportionate impacts of substance use and overdose.
• $450,000 to the Oregon Coalition for Prevention Professionals to train and certify up to 100 new certified prevention specialists.

The funding will be sent to Oregon health Authority (OHA), which will administer the allocations. The Board’s decision can be viewed in a recording of its May 8 meeting here.

Settlement Board Co-Chair Annaliese Dolph said, “The Settlement Board is setting an example for the state with this support of upstream prevention. We cannot treat our way out of the substance use disorder crisis. We must also prevent substance use disorders from occurring in the first place.”

Prior to awarding any funding, OHA must engage the partners listed in the ADPC proposal and provide a proposed funding formula and implementation plan to the Board for approval no later than Sept. 4, 2024. OHA is developing a partner engagement plan to begin this work.

Since July 2021, the State of Oregon has reached agreement on national lawsuits against several companies for their roles in the opioid crisis. Through these agreements, nearly $600 million will be awarded to Oregon over the course of 18 years. Settlement funds from opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies are divided between the State of Oregon (45%) and local jurisdictions (55%).

The state’s share is deposited into the Opioid Settlement, Prevention, Treatment and Recovery (OSPTR) Fund as it becomes available. This fund is controlled by the 18-member OSPTR Board.

Local jurisdictions receiving settlement funds (those with populations greater than 10,000) decide how to use their funds. Cities and counties must report to the Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) annually on how they have allocated their funds. The annual OHA-DOJ expenditure report for fiscal year 2022-2023 will be posted to OHA’s website soon. The report for the current fiscal year will be published no later than Dec. 21, 2024.

OHA contracted with Comagine Health to convene a monthly Opioid Settlement Learning Collaborative for local jurisdictions to discuss allowable uses of settlement funds and best practices, including prevention best practices from other local jurisdictions.

OSPTR Board allocations to date

Through the current fiscal biennium that ends in June 2025, about $89 million will be deposited into the OSPTR Fund. To date, the OSPTR Board has decided on the following allocations:

• $26.7 million to the nine Federally Recognized Tribes in Oregon – this is equivalent to 30% of all funds anticipated this biennium. This 30% set-aside will continue for the life of the fund as additional settlement payments are deposited.
• $13 million to the Save Lives Oregon Harm Reduction Clearinghouse to distribute naloxone and other life-saving supplies to qualified entities.
• $4 million to develop a unified and evidence-based state system for collecting, analyzing and publishing data about the availability and efficacy of substance use prevention, treatment and recovery services in Oregon as required by ORS Chapter 63, Section 6.

To learn more about Oregon’s opioid settlement funds, visit oregon.gov/opioidsettlement.

PORTLAND, Ore.—In honor of National Police Week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. This year’s commemoration is observed Saturday, May 11 through Friday, May 17, 2024.

“As our country recognizes National Police Week, the Justice Department joins families and communities in remembering the members of the law enforcement community who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the public,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland.  “Policing is difficult and dangerous, yet time and time again, law enforcement officers answer the call, showing up for their communities when they are needed the most.  Their devotion to duty is matched only by that of their loved ones who make daily sacrifices to support them.  The Justice Department is committed to doing everything in our power to help provide our law enforcement partners with the resources they need to carry out their noble work on behalf of the public.”

“At the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we are inspired daily by the service and sacrifice of all our law enforcement partners. We offer our deepest gratitude to each and every one of our partners as well as their families and loved ones who make it possible for them to do the work they do,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.   

Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe. 

On Monday, May 13, the names of more than 280 officers killed in the line of duty in 2024 who have been added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial were read during a Candlelight Vigil. To view a recording of the livestream of this event, visit https://nleomf.org/memorial/programs/national-police-week-2024/candlelight-vigil/. 

To learn more about National Police Week and the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit www.policeweek.org.

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Portland, Ore., May 14, 2024 – The annual Waterway Cleanup Series, a collaborative effort between SOLVE and Clackamas Water Environment Services, has launched its 2024 iteration with a highly successful kickoff event at Meldrum Bar Park in Gladstone. The event, held on May 9, brought together 36 volunteers who joined forces to clean the vegetation and wetlands along the picturesque Willamette River, collectively picking up 100 pounds of trash and preventing it from reaching the waterways.

The Waterway Cleanup Series, spanning from May to September, is a vital initiative aimed at elevating the cleanliness of rivers, streams, and creeks throughout the region. Each year, SOLVE and Clackamas Water Environment Services join forces to actively promote and support a diverse range of litter cleanup projects, all geared towards preserving and enhancing the health of our precious waterways.

"We are thrilled to launch another season of the Waterway Cleanup Series, a true testament to the power of community and environmental stewardship," said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. "As we embark on this journey together, I urge individuals and families to seize this opportunity to make a tangible impact on the environment while connecting with nature and each other. Hosting or joining a cleanup event is not just about picking up trash; it's about fostering a sense of responsibility and pride in our local ecosystems, ensuring they remain vibrant and healthy for generations to come."

Get Involved!

We're calling on individuals, businesses, community groups, and organizations to host cleanup events along their favorite waterways throughout the summer months. By organizing or joining a cleanup event, everyone plays a crucial role in preventing trash from polluting our rivers. More information and details about the family-friendly Watershed Discovery Day on June 1^st can be found on our website: https://www.solveoregon.org/waterway-series

About SOLVE 

SOLVE is a statewide non-profit organization that brings people together to improve our environment and build a legacy of stewardship. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots group to a national model for volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains tens of thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon and Southwest Washington to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas and to build a legacy of stewardship for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information. 

About Clackamas Water Environment Services

Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES) produces clean water, protects water quality, and recovers renewable resources. We do this by providing wastewater services, stormwater management, and environmental education. It's our job to protect public health and support the vitality of our communities, natural environment and economy.

SALEM, Ore. — A series of six open houses about the state’s new community wildfire risk reduction programs are scheduled June 3 through July 1 across Oregon. These events will offer opportunities to learn about new defensible space and home hardening standards, as well as the draft wildfire hazard map. 

The resource-fair style open houses are being held in the communities that have some of the greatest levels of wildfire hazard within the wildland-urban interface. Each open house will begin with a short presentation and introductions, but visitors may stop in at any point during the event to get questions answered about the draft hazard map and associated community wildfire programs. 

Representatives from multiple agencies will be present to have one-on-one or small group conversations to help people understand Oregon’s statewide wildfire programs.

• Oregon Department of Forestry representatives will address questions on administrative rules and hazard zone assessment appeals.
• Oregon State University representatives will address questions on wildfire hazard science, statewide data sources, and updates to the draft hazard map made over the last two years.
• Oregon State Fire Marshal representatives will address questions regarding defensible space standards, code adoption process and implementation.
• Building Codes Division representatives from the Department of Consumer and Business Services will address questions on home hardening construction standards, related code provisions, and implementation.
• Division of Financial Regulation representatives from the Department of Consumer and Business Services will address questions on home insurance market and requirements of insurers under Senate Bill 82 (2023).
• Wildfire Programs Advisory Council members will address questions on statewide policy direction for wildfire programs and council business.

Meetings will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on the following dates:

• Redmond—Monday, June 3, Deschutes County Fairgrounds and Expo Center, South Sister Hall, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond, OR 97756
• La Grande—Tuesday, June 4, Union County Fairgrounds, Mount Emily Building, 3604 N 2^nd St., La Grande, OR 97850
• Central Point—Monday, June 17, Jackson County Fairgrounds, Mace Building, 1 Peninger Rd., Central Point, OR 97502
• Grants Pass—Thursday, June 20, Grants Pass High School, 830 NE 9^th St., Grants Pass, OR 97526
• Klamath Falls—Monday, June 24, Klamath County Event Center, Hall #2, 3531 S 6^th St., Klamath Falls, OR 97603
• The Dalles—Monday, July 1, Oregon Military Department Armory, 402 E. Scenic Dr., The Dalles, OR 97058

Find more information on ODF’s wildfire hazard webpage.

To subscribe to information related to updates on the statewide wildfire hazard map, visit the ODF website.

Background: The 2021 Legislature passed Senate Bill 762 that required the Oregon Department of Forestry to develop and maintain a comprehensive statewide map of wildfire risk that included wildland-urban interface boundaries and five fire risk classes by June 30, 2022, in collaboration with Oregon State University. After the initial version of the map was rescinded August 4, 2022, ODF and OSU began gathering feedback and incorporating it into future mapping efforts. 

The 2023 Legislature passed Senate Bill 80 that made several changes to the map including changing the name from a “risk” map to a “hazard” map, reducing the number of hazard classes from five to three, and changing the appeal and notification requirements. 

Written comment or questions about any aspect of the implementation of Senate Bill 762 and Senate Bill 80 may be submitted by email at any time to ehazardmap@odf.oregon.gov">odf.wildfirehazardmap@odf.oregon.gov.

Update: map to exercise shuttle access site attached 

MEDIA ADVISORY 

Oregon’s largest coastal earthquake preparedness exercise May 15, 2024  

WHAT: State legislators, Lincoln County and ODHS’ Office of Resilience and Emergency Management emergency preparedness exercise and instillation of evacuation assembly point (EAP) equipment. 

WHEN: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 

Due to the location at the Newport Municipal Airport, there is no direct access to the site, media and their equipment will need to be shuttled in. Therefore, arrival and departure need to be coordinated and timed. If possible, please RSVP to Lincoln County Public Information Officer Kenneth Lipp at lic_affairs@co.lincoln.or.us">public_affairs@co.lincoln.or.us or 541-265-4100. 

• 8:00-8:15 A.M.: media shuttled to the site
• 8:30-9:00 A.M.: tour of EAP tents and equipment for media
  • Pictures and video can be taken during the tour
• 9:00-9:30 A.M.: press briefing
  • Representative David Gomberg
  • Representative Paul Evans
  • Kaety Jacobson, Lincoln County Commissioner 
  • Samantha Buckley, Lincoln County Emergency Manager 
  • Fariborz Pakseresht, ODHS Director
• 9:40-9:55 A.M.: departure shuttles for media
  • The next opportunity to leave will be 1:00 P.M.
• 10:00-11:00: Lincoln County Board of Commissioners meeting in an EAP tent
• 11:00-1:00 P.M.: drone and helicopter demonstrations
  • Drone flown by Scappoose Fire District 
  • Helicopters flown by Life Flight and the United States Coast Guard 
• 1:00 P.M.: departure shuttles for media, shuttles out available until 2:00.

Video of the aerial demonstrations will be sent from Lincoln County PIO to media by 3:00 P.M. on May 15. 

WHO:  State legislators and leaders from Lincoln County and the Oregon Department of Human Services’ Office of Resilience and Emergency Management 

WHERE: Parking lot at 145 SE 72nd St., Newport, OR 97365, then shuttle to EAP site 

WHY: ODHS’ Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (OREM) supplied Lincoln County with Conex boxes that contain food, water, tents and medical supplies to support 100 people at the evacuation assembly point (EAP) for two weeks in the event of an emergency. Evacuation assembly points are short-term locations for people to gather while emergency responders work to access the impacted area. The Lincoln County EAP is located at the Newport Municipal Airport.  

This is the second EAP that OREM has placed on the Oregon Coast. The first is located at the Tillamook Municipal Airport. OREM is working to place a third set of equipment on the southern Oregon coast.  

EAP tents will be set up on Tuesday and Wednesday as part of an emergency preparedness exercise. OREM, as the lead state agency for mass care (e.g. shelter, food and water), has staged these supplies in coastal communities like Newport because these communities will be isolated from responders in the immediate aftermath of the Cascadia earthquake. During this exercise, OREM will teach community leaders how to set up the EAP.  

A news release was sent last month.  

HOW: For interviews or additional information please contact Lincoln County Public Information Officer Kenneth Lipp at lic_affairs@co.lincoln.or.us">public_affairs@co.lincoln.or.us or 541-265-4100. 

PORTLAND, Ore.—The leader of Portland’s 18^th Street Gang was sentenced to federal prison today for his role in a conspiracy to traffic large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine into the Portland area for redistribution and sale.

Gustavo Torres-Mendez, 38, a Portland resident, was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, in 2019, following his release from state prison for first degree robbery with a firearm, Torres-Mendez established himself as the leader of the 18^th Street Gang in Portland. At the time, investigators were aware that Torres-Mendez maintained a significant stature with and history in the gang developed while serving time in Oregon state prisons and for his activities out of custody.

By late summer 2022, investigators had obtained significant evidence that Torres-Mendez and a close associate were leading a criminal enterprise active in selling counterfeit Oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine in and around the Portland metro area. In early September 2022, investigators uncovered a major effort by Torres-Mendez and several associates to collect money for a large drug purchase and, within days, the group had collected more than $126,000 in cash. At around the same time, on September 7, 2022, police stopped a vehicle connected to the group traveling near Grants Pass, Oregon. A search of the vehicle returned more than 104 pounds of methamphetamine and eight pounds of cocaine.

On November 15, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a seven-count indictment charging Torres-Mendez and six associates for conspiring with one another to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Two days later, on November 17, 2022, a multi-agency law enforcement operation was conducted targeting Torres-Mendez and his associates. A search of Torres-Mendez’s North Portland home returned a handgun, ammunition, tactical body armor, a small bag of “M30” counterfeit Oxycodone pills, and $6,386 in cash. On the same day, investigators located and seized 10 additional firearms at a location in Portland used by the 18^th Street Gang to store and distribute drugs and keep weapons.

On September 6, 2023, Torres-Mendez pleaded guilty to conspiring with his associates to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Three of Torres-Mendez’s co-conspirators have also pleaded guilty and been sentenced to federal prison.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Portland Police Bureau. It was prosecuted by Thomas H. Edmonds and Nicole M. Bockelman, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

This prosecution is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the U.S. by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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The Oregon State Marine Board is amplifying its education and outreach program to meet boaters where they are, by the water, and in the community.

The agency hired five seasonal boating safety advocates (BSAs), who will interact with the public at schools, safety fairs, and other community gatherings to promote boating and water safety and are a resource to boaters on the water.

The advocates will be active during peak boating use, especially beginners who may not be aware of pertinent safety equipment or potential risks.

“This program emphasizes the Marine Board's commitment to modernizing boating safety education and outreach,” says Brian Paulsen, Boating Safety Program Manager for the Marine Board. “We are focused on decreasing boating fatalities in Oregon. So many incidents are preventable and come down to education, understanding risks, and safety equipment. The BSAs will help reinforce how to play it safe.” 

The BSA positions are not regulatory in nature but collect informal field data related to boating activities for safety and compliance. Advocates are approachable and boaters are encouraged to share their passions and perspectives. “Engaging with boaters at the water across the state creates an opportunity to have conversations and learn what the agency can do for boaters,” Paulsen adds. “BSAs are also eyes and ears for agency staff and may help us gather observational data when they are out on the water.”

Learn more about the Marine Board’s Boating Safety Advocates and recreational boating in Oregon.
 

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On 05/14/2024 at about 6:02 am, WVCC Dispatch received a report of a vehicle stolen from the Siletz Valley Charter School in Siletz, OR. The owner of the vehicle also reported that there was a firearm stored in the vehicle. Dispatch broadcast detailed information to the Newport Police Department, who had Officers on duty, in an attempt to locate the vehicle.

At about 7:10 am, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office Deputy Antonio Ortiz located the vehicle in driving southbound on Highway 101 in South Beach, OR, and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle continued driving, turning into South Beach State Park, where Newport Police Officers responded to assist. In South Beach State Park the vehicle continued to drive recklessly, endangering bystanders, until a citizen stood in its path and the driver stopped the vehicle. Deputy Ortiz, with assistance from Newport Police Officers, conducted a high-risk traffic stop and removed the driver from the vehicle. The driver is identified as 47-year-old Randy Johnson of Newport, Oregon. 

Randy Johnson was taken into custody and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on charges of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer (Felony), Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, Theft in the First Degree, Reckless Driving, and Recklessly Endangering Another Person.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office enjoys close working relationships with our local Law Enforcement partners and is grateful for the assistance provided by the Newport Police Department. As always, community members are encouraged to be alert to criminal activity and to report crimes they witness, while remaining uninvolved and at a safe distance from Law Enforcement activities. To report a crime in Lincoln County, contact WVCC Dispatch at 541-265-0777.

LAKE OSWEGO, Ore., (May 14, 2024)—The Umpqua Bank Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization of Umpqua Bank, is pleased to announce, in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines), the distribution of $160,000 in grants to 13 Oregon-based nonprofits working to support access to affordable housing. 

Umpqua Bank is a member of FHLB Des Moines, which partners with financial institutions within its network to provide funding to meet the housing, business and economic development needs of the communities they serve. This year, through the Member Impact Fund, FHLB Des Moines provided $3 for every $1 donated by Umpqua Bank to the selected 13 Oregon-based organizations addressing access to affordable housing or community development throughout the state.  

The Umpqua Bank Charitable Foundation’s partnership with the FHLB Des Moines is part of Umpqua Bank’s commitment to support nonprofits focused on improving access to economic opportunity, including affordable housing. According to Oregon’s Office of Economic Analysis, more than half of renters in the State of Oregon are unable to afford both rent and other basic needs. 

“Access to quality housing is a major challenge for so many families right now, and strategic partnerships are critical to ensure that affordable housing is a reality for everyone in the communities we serve,” said Chris Merrywell, Umpqua Bank’s Consumer Banking President. “It’s an honor to join forces with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines in support of the great work organizations across Oregon are doing to provide accessible housing for more residents.” 

“We are thrilled to see grants from our Member Impact Fund having a direct, positive impact on the communities in which our members help advance affordable housing and community development needs in a meaningful way,” said Kris Williams, President and CEO of FHLB Des Moines. 

The following 13 organizations each received a 3:1 grant match from Umpqua Bank Charitable Foundation and Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines: 

Received $10,000 in funding each: 

• African American Alliance for Homeownership is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency and community-based organization providing first-time homebuyers and foreclosure prevention services to the public. 

• Bienestar provides housing and builds hope and community for the wellbeing of Latinxs, immigrants, and all families in need.  

• Bridge Meadows creates and inspires intergenerational residential communities, enriching the well-being of children, families, and elders. 

• Central City Concern is on a mission to end homelessness by helping individuals find a home, regain health and move toward long-term stability and success. 

• Community Partners for Affordable Housing develops affordable housing and provides services that empower individuals and families to secure and retain quality housing. 

• Corvallis Neighborhood Housing Services (also known as DevNW) as provides technical and financial assistance to agencies that serve the housing and social services needs of lower-income residents. 

• Farmworker Housing Development Corporation is committed to building safe, affordable housing until every Oregonian has a secure place to call home. 

• Hacienda Community Development Corporation is a Latino-led Community Development Corporation that strengthens families by providing affordable housing, homeownership support, economic advancement and educational opportunities. 

• Northwest Housing Alternatives Inc. builds new homes and new opportunities for seniors, families, veterans and people with disabilities across Oregon. 

• Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives provides affordable rental housing to low-income families, primarily in North and Northeast Portland. 

• Portland Housing Center makes it possible for everyone to achieve their homeownership dreams through quality home buyer education, one-on-one guidance, financial services, and a variety of other resources. 

• Proud Ground creates permanently affordable homeownership opportunities using the community land trust model to ensure multi-generational stability.   

Received $40,000 in funding: 

• Scottsburg Community Services Association is dedicated to enhancing the quality and promoting the overall welfare of the citizens within the Scottsburg Community and build upon the historic legacy of the Scottsburg community. 

About the Umpqua Bank Charitable Foundation 
The Umpqua Bank Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization of Umpqua Bank, recognizes the importance of building healthier, more resilient, better connected and inclusive communities throughout the eight-state footprint. It works to strengthen the communities Umpqua Bank serves by investing in organizations and initiatives that expand access to education and create economic opportunity for individuals, families and small businesses. The foundation was formed in 2014 to demonstrate Umpqua’s deep commitment to the communities it serves and has distributed more than $20 million across the bank’s footprint. 

About Umpqua Bank 
Umpqua Bank is a subsidiary of Columbia Banking System Inc., (Nasdaq: COLB) and a premier regional bank in the western U.S., with offices in Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Colorado. With over $50 billion of assets, Umpqua combines the resources, sophistication and expertise of a national bank with a commitment to deliver personalized service at scale. The bank consistently ranks as one of America’s Best Banks (ranked by Forbes) and supports consumers and businesses through a full suite of services, including retail and commercial banking; Small Business Administration lending; institutional and corporate banking; equipment leasing; and wealth management. The bank’s corporate headquarters are located in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Learn more at umpquabank.com. 

About Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines 
FHLB Des Moines is one of 11 regional Banks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Members include community and commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, thrifts and community development financial institutions. FHLB Des Moines is wholly owned by its members and receives no taxpayer funding. For additional information about FHLB Des Moines, please visit www.fhlbdm.com. 

News Release Corvallis Police Department 180 NW 5th Street Corvallis, OR97330 541-766-6924

05/14/2024 10:00 AM

Media Contact: 

Crystal Patterson, Corvallis Police Department

(541) 766-6937/ cpdpio@corvallisoregon.gov

CORVALLIS POLICE DEPARTMENT PATROL CAR TOTALED BY SUSPECTED DUII DRIVER 

On Sunday, May 12, 2024, at approximately 1:30 AM, a Corvallis Police Department Patrol vehicle was rear-ended in the intersection of Hwy 99 W and NE Conifer Blvd. 

Witnesses at the scene reported seeing the patrol vehicle slow down on Hwy 99 W and begin a signaled righthand turn at the light onto NE Conifer Blvd when it was hit from behind by Amanda Johnston (24) of Albany. Witness accounts and investigation at the scene suggest Johnston was traveling at speeds close to 50 mph when the collision occurred. 

Benton County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to the scene and performed standardized field sobriety tests that determined Johnston was showing indications of impairment. BSCO deputies subsequently arrested Johnston for a DUII-Alcohol and Reckless Driving. Johnston’s blood alcohol content registered at .19% at the time of her processing. Johnston was cited and released.

The Corvallis Police Officer involved in the collision was assessed at a local hospital for minor injuries. The patrol vehicle was totaled as a result of the collision (photo attached). 

This incident highlights the dangers that impaired driving poses to the community and officers. In our ongoing efforts to keep Oregon drivers safe, Corvallis Police Department patrol officers will be conducting targeted DUII enforcement this Memorial Day weekend. 

Note: At this time there is no additional information available related to this incident.

ROSEBURG, Ore., May 14, 2024 — The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians awarded scholarships totaling $21,000 for local high school seniors that will be attending UCC in the fall of 2024. An award ceremony took place on May 5, 2024, at Seven Feathers Casino Resort.

One recipient from each of the 14 high schools in Douglas County were selected to receive $1500 awards. Students were chosen based on scholastic effort and commitment (no minimum GPA required), potential for college-level work, good citizenship and behavior, motivation, and industriousness.

Annual gifting of scholarship awards is a high priority for the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal Board of Directors and has continued for over 25 years. The Cow Creek Umpqua Education department sends out a letter to teachers in February, asking them to select a student who may not have been able to apply or be awarded other traditional scholarships because of barriers in their lives.

The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians Chair, Carla Keene, gave a speech at the event. “We recognize the countless hours you have dedicated to your studies, the challenges you have faced head-on, and the resilience you have shown. Many of you know that the journey to education is not easy. You may have faced obstacles and setbacks along the way. But the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians believes wholeheartedly in the transformative power of education, in all forms and at any age.“

Award winners included:

• James Standley, Camas Valley Charter School
• Christine McCoy, Days Creek Charter School
• Kodi Marcisz, Douglas High School
• Harold Woods, Elkton High School
• Karlysia Ramirez, Glendale High School
• Shayd White, Glide High School
• Natalie Hescock, North Douglas High School
• Auria Vallotton, Oakland High School
• Yaziby Espinosa, Phoenix Charter School
• Alexis Watson, Riddle High School
• Kamryn Wattman, Roseburg High School
• Alexander Heze, South Umpqua High School
• Owen Mendenhall, Sutherlin High School
• Cecilia Phillips, Yoncalla High School

Please note the below correction. John Rocha was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison, not 70 months. We regret the error. If you have any questions, please contact us at USAOR.PublicAffairs@usdoj.gov.

MEDFORD, Ore.—A Medford man was sentenced to federal prison Monday for distributing fentanyl that caused the overdose death of a local teenager.

John Rocha, 31, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison and four years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, on September 7, 2021, officers from the Medford Police Department responded to a report of an overdose death of a local 17-year-old high school student. Investigators soon learned that the teenager had taken counterfeit Percocet pills containing fentanyl. Within days, investigators identified Rocha as the victim’s fourth-level drug supplier and, when confronted by law enforcement, he admitted to having recently sold counterfeit pills.

On February 3, 2022, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a five-count indictment charging Rocha and four others with distributing fentanyl, possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

On February 20, 2024, Rocha pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement Team (MADGE). It was prosecuted by Marco A. Boccato, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

MADGE is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-supported approach. MADGE is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and is composed of members from the Medford Police Department, the Jackson County Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices, the Jackson County Community Corrections, FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.

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At approximately 4:49PM on Mother’s Day Lebanon Fire District Responded to the report of a structure fire in the 31000 Block of Berlin Rd. Initial reports stated that the caller heard two loud explosion and could see a large plume of black smoke coming from a structure. An off-duty LFD Lieutenant was the first on the scene and reported light smoke coming from the structure’s eves. The incident commander arrived on scene and assumed command of the fire directing the first arriving engine to make an offensive attack on the fire. Crews were able to make entry into the structure and reported high heat temperatures and  dense smoke conditions. The crews were able to access the roof and cut a hole to allow for smoke and heat to escape from the structure. The fire was then quickly extinguished. Lebanon Fire District responded with 22 personnel. LFD was assisted by Albany Fire department and Sweet Home Fire District to handle the multiple medical calls that occurred during the fire. 

Lebanon Fire District would like to remind everyone to use caution when using space heaters or air conditioners. 

At approximately 6:46PM Lebanon Fire District received a call for a fire alarm activation in the 500 block of 12th St.  Dispatch stated that the neighbor could hear a smoke detector going off in the apartment next to her and the occupant of the apartment had just left. BC31 arrived on scene to a 2-story apartment complex. After further investigation BC31 found the apartment full of smoke. BC31 upgraded to a first alarm assignment and started evacuating the apartment building. The first Engine arrived on scene and was able to force entry into the apartment. The Engine company found food left unattended on the burner of the stove. No fire damage was done to the apartment and the residents were able to return to their residents. Lebanon Fire District responded with 13 personnel. 
Lebanon Fire District would like to remind everyone the importance of working smoke detectors.

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Eugene, OR.  Eugene Springfield Fire is on scene of an apartment fire at the Boulders on the River 655 Goodpasture Island Rd in Eugene.  Firefighters were alerted to the fire at 3:02 AM and Engine 9 from the Valley River station arrived at 3:06 AM.  The crew found fire burning in a second floor apartment, conducted a search for victims and stretched hoses for fire attack.  The fire was contained to the apartment of origin and there were no injuries to civilians or fire crews. The cause is under investigation.  

(Springfield, Ore.) — After 16 months of negotiations, home health and hospice nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services voted to ratify a four-year contract agreement with PeaceHealth May 13.  

Nurses at the region’s largest home health and hospice provider care for many of Lane County’s most complicated patients and deliver hospital-quality care directly to patients’ homes. They have spent the last year-plus fighting for a fair contract to improve patient care; address record turnover and vacancies; and hold PeaceHealth accountable to their community. 

The new contract includes several important care improvements.

Contract Highlights:

• Protects community health by ensuring nurses who are exposed to communicable diseases can isolate to avoid compromising vulnerable, home-bound populations.
• Raises safety standards by empowering an interdisciplinary workplace violence prevention committee to address workplace violence and prevention; physical and verbal abuse; and harassment issues unique to home care environments.
• Promotes advanced training and education to bring health care innovations to Lane County. The contract increases support for nurses’ professional development--allowing more RNs to take advantage of continuing education opportunities to learn and deliver the latest best practices to local patients.
• Creates accountability around health care costs by establishing a health benefits task force to explore workers’ and families’ health needs and make recommendations to keep care accessible and affordable.
• Increases wages up to 16% over four years and raises pay for nurses with advanced degrees and skills. The contract also includes a one-time bonus for nurses still with PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services in Jan. 2025.

While nurses are proud of what they were able to achieve, they remain concerned that inequitable wages will continue negatively impacting their community by accelerating record turnover and limiting recruitment opportunities. 

Even with contractual improvements, nurses at every other local PeaceHealth hospital and home care service will receive significantly higher wages than nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services–including workers at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center in Springfield; PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center in Florence; and PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Home Health in Florence. This pay gap will continue to make it difficult for PeaceHealth to address vacancies and attract or retain experienced providers. 

ONA and our members remain concerned about the corporatization of healthcare systems like PeaceHealth in Oregon and its impacts on the workers and communities. We will continue fighting to advocate for patients and providers. PeaceHealth has extensive work to do to repair its relationship with health care providers, patients and the local community–whose support for nurses was critical to the success of these negotiations. 

“I want to send a sincere thank you to the many elected leaders, union allies, community groups and supporters from all walks of life who signed a petition, attended a rally, marched with us on the picket line and showed their appreciation for nurses. I’m touched by the support nurses and our patients received from people in every part of Lane County,” said Jo Turner, ONA bargaining unit chair and nurse at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services. “We know there’s more work to be done to expand access to health care and to keep holding PeaceHealth accountable to our community. I believe we can build on the work of our community coalitions and continue raising standards to make sure everyone in our community has access to high-quality, affordable health care.”

The ONA represents more than 90 frontline nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services and nearly 1500 nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center Riverbend. 

Nurses began negotiating with PeaceHealth executives in February 2023. Their previous contract expired in April 2023. Nurses reached a tentative agreement April 24 and voted on the agreement May 6 - 13. 

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MEDFORD, Ore.—A Klamath Falls, Oregon man with multiple previous drug- and firearm-related convictions was sentenced to federal prison today after he was caught by local law enforcement with methamphetamine and a handgun.

Andrew Miles Devos, 42, was sentenced to 75 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, in January 2020, law enforcement learned that Devos, who at the time had eight prior felony convictions for drug and firearm offenses, was actively selling methamphetamine in Klamath Falls. After further investigation, on January 8, 2020, Devos was arrested when he arrived to complete a drug transaction. Law enforcement officers searched Devos’ vehicle and located 80 grams of methamphetamine, a 9mm firearm, 50 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a digital scale, and drug packaging materials concealed inside a backpack. 

On June 3, 2020, Devos was charged by criminal complaint with illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Later, on September 17, 2020, a federal grand jury in Medford indicted Devos on the same charges.

Prior to being sentenced today, Devos pleaded guilty to a one-count superseding criminal information charging him with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Basin Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (BINET) with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF). It was prosecuted by John C. Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

BINET is a Klamath Falls area narcotics task force comprised of Oregon State Police, the Klamath Falls Police Department, and Oregon National Guard.

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Salem, Ore. –  Following news of the $1.3 billion Powerball win in Portland this April, Oregon Lottery is urging the public to beware of scams and phishing attempts associated with jackpots. 

Over the weekend, a text message was circulating that falsely promised the Powerball winner was donating prize money to 10 citizens chosen at random. It asked those receiving the message to call a phone number to claim the winnings. 

“Some common warning signs of phishing scams include receiving an unsolicited message with a sense of urgency or a request for personal information,” said Oregon Lottery Assistant Director of Security Justin Hedlund. “We expect there may be other scams out there trying to leverage the Powerball winner’s story, and it’s a red flag if something seems too good to be true.” 

Oregon Lottery will never ask you to pay a fee to access your winnings.  

If you believe you’re a victim of a scam, you can report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center: https://www.ic3.gov/. If you received a suspicious text message, forward it to SPAM (7726) and report the phishing attempt to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $15.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery, visit www.oregonlottery.org. 

PORTLAND, Ore, — To create a better recreation experience, Bureau of Land Management officials at the Prineville District have released a new edition of the John Day River Boater’s Guide. The release comes just in time for 2024’s river season.

“We created every page of this guide to empower visitors to be able to see the beauty of the river, mile by mile and to protect the natural beauty and resources along the John Day,” said Prineville District Manager Amanda Roberts. “Overnight permits on the John Day are popular and limited, and we want to prepare visitors who raft the river to have an excellent experience!”

The 67-paged, spiral-bound, waterproof book is full of information about the 174 miles of the John Day River—from Kimberly to Tumwater Falls—making it a perfect summer read as you float on. It also includes safety tips, river etiquette, and vibrant topographical maps that identify land ownership and potential boat-in camping areas along the river. 

Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, the Bureau of Land Management, the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, the John Day Coalition of Counties, and a group of private and commercial John Day River boaters collaborated to create the guide and enrich everyone’s experience of the John Day River and surrounding areas. 

A waterproof hardcopy of the John Day River Boater’s Guide can be purchased for $14.00 at the Prineville District Office in Prineville, Oregon. You may also call to order a copy for shipping. The fees collected stay within the John Day River recreation area to support its care and management for future generations.

For more information about the guide, contact Monica Morin, Outdoor Recreation Planner, at mmorin@blm.gov.

For more information on the John Day River and to get your boater's permit, visit Recreation.gov.

BLM Central Oregon Field Office
3050 NE 3rd Street
Prineville, OR 97754
541-416-6700
 

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
May 13, 2024 

Media Contact:  
Communications@employ.oregon.gov   

MEDIA ADVISORY

Oregon Employment Department to Host  
Media Briefing Wednesday, May 15, 1 p.m. 
 

WHO:                 Gail Krumenauer, state employment economist; David Gerstenfeld, Oregon Employment Department director; Unemployment Insurance director Lindsi Leahy; Paid Leave Oregon director Karen Humelbaugh.

WHEN:             Wednesday, 1 p.m., May 15, 2024 

WHAT:              The Oregon Employment Department is hosting a video-conference media briefing to share updates on economic and workforce-related trends in Oregon, as well an update on the agency’s efforts to improve customer service.  

WHERE:          Via Zoom video conference: Members of the media must RSVP by emailing Communications@employ.oregon.gov by noon on Wednesday, May 15. We will provide video conference login information to all reporters who RSVP. RSVPs must indicate if the reporter wants to ask a question of the presenters.  
 
After the briefing concludes, we will email the link to the video recording to reporters who RSVP’d. 

OTHER:           The Oregon Employment Department updates its agency dashboard each week. Visit oregon.gov/employ/NewsAndMedia for our latest news releases, video and audio clips, and the latest data for Unemployment Insurance, WorkSource Oregon, and Paid Leave Oregon.  

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The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken-language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1794. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to Language@employ.oregon.gov.

El Departamento de Empleo de Oregon (OED) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. El OED proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1794. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a Language@employ.oregon.gov.

CORVALLIS, Ore. – On Saturday, May 11, 2024, at approximately 11:02 a.m., Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) Deputies responded to a two-vehicle double fatality crash on Highway 20, approximately four miles west of Blodgett, Oregon.

Investigators determined 46-year-old Jessmyn Rae Allen, of Umatilla, was westbound on Highway 20 in a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek when she crossed the center line and collided with 52-year-old Elizabeth Lillian O’Neill, of Tidewater, traveling eastbound in a 2020 Ford Fusion. 

O’Neill was pronounced deceased at the scene as well as a passenger of the Subaru, 23-year-old Isaiah Aguilar, of Umatilla.

Allen was transported by helicopter to the Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis with life-threatening injuries. Four other patients were transported by ambulance to the same hospital.

Highway 20 was closed for approximately four hours while investigators processed the scene.

The crash remains under investigation by the BCSO Crash Team. If you have any additional information or witnessed the crash, please contact Deputy Ball at 541-766-6858, or by email at all@bentoncountyor.gov">daniel.ball@bentoncountyor.gov. 

BCSO would like to thank the Philomath Police Department, Corvallis Fire Department, Philomath Fire Department, Blodgett Fire Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon State Police, and the Corvallis Police Department for their assistance with this incident.

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WHEELER COUNTY, Ore. 13 May 2024 – On Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 2:02 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a fatal motorcycle crash on Hwy. 207 near milepost 18 in Wheeler County. 

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by William Charles Edward Herrold (42) of Oregon City, was leading a group of motorcycles northbound on Hwy. 207 when it veered onto the gravel shoulder, lost control, and crashed. 

The operator (William Herrold) and passenger, Tanya Marie Ann Herrold (44) of Oregon City, were both thrown from the motorcycle. William Herrold was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Tanya Herrold died at the scene. 

A second motorcycle operated by Raymond Curtis Zentz (50) of Vancouver (WA) also veered onto the gravel shoulder and went down. Zentz was not injured.  

Traveling too fast for conditions was reported as a contributing factor to the crash. 

The highway was impacted for four hours. 

Oregon State Police was assisted by the Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office, Wheeler County Fire & Rescue, Mitchel Ambulance, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. 

# # #

 
About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon. 

Fatal Crash – Hwy. 26 – Clackamas County
Clackamas County near Welches

CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. 13 May 2024 – On Friday, May 10, 2024, at 10:10 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash on Hwy. 26 in Clackamas County near milepost 37. 

The preliminary investigation indicated that a white Mazda sedan, operated by Erwin Michael Cheney (57) of Eagle Creek, was turning eastbound onto Hwy. 26 from a driveway. The vehicle had missed a turn and was turning around in the driveway. As the sedan was turning on the highway, a westbound blue Honda motorcycle, operated by Norman Ralph Lawrence Markham (59) of Sandy, crashed into the rear driver side of the sedan. 

The motorcycle operator (Markham) was thrown off the motorcycle and subsequently struck by another vehicle prior to law enforcement's arrival. Markham died at the scene. 

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours. 

Oregon State Police was assisted by the Clackamas County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

# # #

  
About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon. 

May 13, 2024

Salem, Oregon – The Electronic Government Portal Advisory Board (EPAB) will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. The meeting will take place remotely via the internet on Microsoft Teams and is open to the public. The agenda and handouts will be posted on the advisory board’s website.

What:       Meeting of the Electronic Government Portal Advisory Board

When:      Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Where:     Microsoft Teams (Click to join the meeting)
                Call: 1-503-446-4951 | Conference ID: 727 733 440#

Who:        Members of the Electronic Government Portal Advisory Board

The Legislature established the advisory board with enactment of ORS 276A.270-276. The board will advise the State Chief Information Officer (CIO) on key decisions and strategic choices about how the State CIO manages and operates the state’s web portal services.

The Oregon.gov portal is the connection point for citizens to access state agency services and information on the internet. The board provides oversight to specific websites, services and online payments where agencies choose to utilize the State Chief Information Officer’s E-Government Program as their service provider.

With the board’s advice, the State CIO wants to make the Oregon web portal services and their operation as effective as they can be for Oregonians to interact with state government.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

DATE: May 13, 2024

Victim in hit-and-run collision dies days later

Salem, Ore. — A Salem man injured in a hit-and-run collision last week has died.

At approximately 11:40 a.m. on May 5, emergency responders were called to the 4100 block of Rickey ST SE after a man crossing the street was struck by the driver of a vehicle who then fled the scene.

The crash investigation determined the pedestrian was attempting to cross Rickey ST approximately one block east of Lancaster DR when they were struck by a pick-up traveling westbound on the same street. The pick-up driver hit the pedestrian who was in the lane of travel.

The pedestrian, Randall Dale Wilson, age 75, was transported to Salem Health with injuries. He was later transported for further care to a Portland-area hospital where he passed away Wednesday night, May 8. 

Officers identified the pick-up driver and arrested him at his home later that Sunday afternoon. The driver, Ramiro Gabriel Herrera, age 63 of Keizer, was lodged on the charge of failure to perform the duties of a driver.

Given Herrera’s arrested status, all further questions regarding this case should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

The Salem Police Department has investigated 11 significant traffic collisions resulting in 11 fatalities this year.

# # #

The boat ramp at Lane County’s Hendricks Bridge Park east of Springfield is closed this week, May 13 through May 17, for removal of debris from January’s ice storm. 

Several tons of debris were collected at the park during ice storm clean up. The park was used as a drop site for debris collected by residents as well as debris removed from roadways by Lane County Public Works. The large piles, primarily tree limbs, earned the unofficial nickname of “Mt. Brushmore” due to their height.

“We are appreciative that our friends in the Parks division were able to make this site available to us for storm clean up and now we’re glad to be returning it to its regular use in time for summer,” said Lane County Road Maintenance Manager Orin Schumacher. 

Additional boat ramp closures may be needed next week, too, depending upon how much debris is able to be removed this week. 

The park’s day use are remains open. Visitors should be mindful of closed areas and give any equipment a wide berth. 

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Salem, OR— Approximately 12,000 Oregon taxpayers who used TurboTax to prepare their 2023 federal and state tax returns may be able to reduce their tax owed or increase their refund by amending their state return.

Intuit, the makers of TurboTax, said the software program might not have selected the best deduction option (standard vs itemized) for some taxpayers, resulting in a possible overpayment to the state.

Intuit has contacted the affected taxpayers and provided instructions for filing an amended return at no charge.

Taxpayers will need to complete the amended return in TurboTax, print it out, and then choose one of the three options below to file their return.

• Mail their return to the Oregon Department of Revenue at P.O. Box 14700, Salem, OR, 97309-0930.
• Bring their printed amended return to one of the Department of Revenue offices. (Drop boxes are available to accept documents after regular business hours at the department’s offices, located in Salem, Bend, Eugene, Medford, and Portland.)
• Enter the information from the printed return into Direct File Oregon to electronically file their amended return free of charge. 

Directions for using Direct File Oregon to file an amended state return are available on the Department of Revenue website.

Some amended returns can take up to six months to process if they require manual review due to errors or missing information. Taxpayers should make sure they follow these important steps that will allow more timely processing of their amended return.

• Make sure the printed return they file is complete, including the federal form and all schedules (like Schedule OR-A).
• Make sure they have checked the "Amended Return" box on the first page.
• Use their current address, if it is different from the address they used when filing their original return.
• Provide their direct deposit information for their refund, otherwise the department will mail a paper check.
• Sign their amended return.

Affected taxpayers have three years from the date their return was originally filed or from the due date of the return, whichever was later, to file an amended return.

Media Availability: Please let me know if you would like to cover this event.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Medford Police Department cordially invite you to attend the Jackson County Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony

Tuesday, May 14, 2024
10:00 A.M.
August D. Singler Plaza
787 W 8th Street Medford OR 97501
Medford, OR 97501
Remembering the Fallen, Honoring those who Serve

May 13, 2024

Media Contact: 
Colin Fogarty, Director of Communications, Oregon Community Foundation 
ty@oregoncf.org">cfogarty@oregoncf.org

Oregon Community Foundation Welcomes Leaders in Healthcare and Housing to Board of Directors

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon Community Foundation’s Board of Directors has two new members who bring extensive experience in community engagement and housing development. Karis Stoudamire-Phillips is the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Community Initiatives at Moda Health and Delta Dental of Oregon. Ernesto Fonseca is CEO of Hacienda Community Development Corporation, a long-time OCF partner that strengthens families by providing affordable housing, homeownership support, economic advancement and educational opportunities. After a unanimous vote, Stoudamire-Phillips and Fonseca join the 15-member board that oversees Oregon’s statewide community foundation.

"On behalf of Oregon Community Foundation Board of Directors, I welcome Karis and Ernesto into this exciting evolution of philanthropic potential in Oregon,” said Lane Shetterly, Board Chair of Oregon Community Foundation. “New leadership means new opportunities for discovery and meaningful impact in a state hungry for positive change in Oregonian’s daily lives.” 

"The foundation’s next stage of growth will depend upon our ability to bring Oregonians together around the state to deliver bold solutions with innovative resources,” said Lisa Mensah, President and CEO of Oregon Community Foundation. “Karis and Ernesto bring tremendous experience and insight to advance our work.”

Stoudamire-Phillips and Fonseca replace former board chair Kimberly Cooper and board member Patrick Criteser, who both served 8 years on the OCF Board of Directors. 

Karis Stoudamire-Phillips is a native of Portland. In her role at Moda Health and Delta Dental of Oregon, she develops, directs and implements community engagement strategies and action plans throughout Oregon and Alaska. She works to increase workforce and corporate cultural diversity, equity and inclusion, while ensuring product offerings across all businesses meet the needs of a diverse customer population. 

She has served on OCF’s Portland Metro Leadership Council since 2017, becoming chair in 2023. She also played pivotal advisory roles for OCF in the Albina Arts Community Visioning Committee and Connecting to Black Communities.

Ernesto Fonseca joined Hacienda as CEO in April 2017, bringing his passion for community development and a belief in the power of connecting families to opportunity. 

Ernesto’s own story reflects the potential that can be unleashed by investing in all our community members. Raised in central Mexico, Ernesto watched his parents take advantage of educational opportunities and their own initiative to build careers in construction and nursing. They passed on their values of hard work and education to their children, and Ernesto embraced those values to gain a foothold in this country by initially working in kitchens and restaurants as he pursued his educational goals, culminating with a Ph.D. from Arizona State University in Environmental Design and Planning. 

His extensive board service includes Northwest Outward Bound School, The Prosperity Agenda, Housing Oregon, Energy Trust of Oregon and Two Worlds Community Foundation. He also services in an advisory capacity to ASU Stardust Center for Affordable Homes & the Family. 

Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In partnership with donors and volunteers, OCF strengthens communities in every county in Oregon through grantmaking, scholarships and research. In 2023, OCF distributed $225 million in grants and scholarships. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, please visit oregoncf.org.

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On Friday, May 10th, 2024, at approximately 12:00 PM, DINT detectives were in the area of a business and residence in the 4,000 block of Hooker Road, in Roseburg conducting follow up investigation on a previous case.  

While there, detectives contacted 62 year old John Hopkins, who had been living at the site for an extended period of time.  Detectives discovered Hopkins is a registered sex offender, with a listed address in the Sutherlin area, rather than his actual address on Hooker Road.  registered sex offenders are required by law to report any change of address within 10 days.  

Additionally, a search of Hopkins' residence revealed two firearms which Hopkins is prohibited from possessing due to his status as a prior convicted felon.  

Hopkins was arrested and lodged at the Douglas County Jail on one count of Failure to Report as a Sex Offender, and two counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

SALEM, OR – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and other fire prevention experts urge the public to exercise caution when disposing of yard debris this spring. Over seventy percent of wildfires in Oregon are human-caused fires, with debris burning being the number one cause. As the weather gets hotter and fuels begin to dry out, the risk of a debris burn escaping increases. 

Now is the time to trim trees, bushes, and tidy up plants around your home to create a “defensible space” around your property. As you begin spring clean-up, the Oregon Department of Forestry and Keep Oregon Green urge you to put some extra thought into how you plan to dispose of your yard debris.

Call your local ODF office before burning to make sure the weather conditions are safe. You can also cover a part of the pile with plastic to keep it dry until the rainy fall and winter seasons when it’s safer to burn. Delaying your burn plans will give the debris more time to cure and avoid spring holdover fires as fire risk increases with hotter, drier weather. 

By choosing alternative disposal methods, or burning under safe conditions outside of fire season, Oregonians can significantly reduce the risk of creating a large wildfire. Remember, debris burning requires a permit or is prohibited in most areas during fire season.

If burning now is the only option to dispose of yard debris, fire prevention specialists ask people to follow safe burning practices. 

• Call before you burn –  Burning regulations vary by location depending on the weather and fuel conditions. If you are planning to burn, check with your local ODF district, fire protective association, fire department, or air protection authority to learn about current burning restrictions or regulations, and if you need a permit.
• Know the weather – Burn early in the day and never burn on dry or windy days, because fires can spread out of control more easily.
• Always have water and fire tools nearby – When burning, have a charged water hose or a bucket of water, and shovel on hand to put out the fire. Drown the pile with water, stir the coals, and drown again, repeating until the fire is cold to the touch.
• Clear a 10-foot fuel-free buffer around the pile – Make sure there are no tree branches or power lines above.
• Keep burn piles small – Large burn piles can cast hot embers long distances. Keep piles small, maximum of four feet by four feet. Add debris to the pile in small amounts as the pile burns.
• Burn only yard debris – State laws prohibit burning materials or trash that create dense smoke or noxious odors.
• Never use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids to start or speed up your fire.
• Stay with the fire until it is cold – NEVER leave your debris burn unattended. State law requires monitoring of debris burn piles from start to finish until it is out cold. This law is intended to ensure sparks or embers that jump from the fire can be put out quickly.
• Go back and check burn piles. They can retain heat for several weeks and restart when the weather warms up and winds blow.
• Costs of run-away debris burns– State law requires the proper clearing, building, attending and extinguishing of open fires all year. If your debris burn spreads out of control, you may have to pay for suppression costs, as well as the damage to your neighbors’ properties, which can be extremely expensive.

More tips on wildfire prevention, including campfire safety, motorized equipment use, and fire-resistant landscaping can be found on the Keep Oregon Green website. Find public use restrictions for Oregon Department of Forestry protected lands before your burn.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 13, 2024

NOTICE OF OPEN HOUSE  

Salmon Harbor Marina Invites Public Input on New Master Plan 

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Chris Boice, Tim Freeman, and Tom Kress, along with Salmon Harbor Marina Director Jim Zimmer and staff at Salmon Harbor Marina, a division of Douglas County Government, are thrilled to announce an open house event on May 29, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Marina Activity Center (MAC), located in the Winchester Bay RV Resort at 263 Marina Way in Winchester Bay, Oregon.  The open house seeks to engage business owners, community members, tourists, and other stakeholders in providing valuable input for the development of our exciting new Salmon Harbor Marina Master Plan.

The open house will feature interactive stations manned by our consulting team, technical advisory committee members, and County staff. Attendees will have the opportunity to provide input on a wide range of topics, including:

1.         Coastal Infrastructure

2.         Fishing

3.         Underutilized properties

4.         Business district enhancements

5.         Beautification and infrastructure

6.         Tourism hub

7.         Hospitality and accommodations

The open house represents a crucial step in the development of the new master plan for Salmon Harbor Marina. By actively involving the community in the planning process, our team aims to create a vision that reflects the needs, preferences, and aspirations of all stakeholders.  We encourage everyone with an interest in the future of Salmon Harbor Marina to attend the open house and share their valuable insight. Together, we can shape a marina that not only meets the needs of today, but also sets the stage for a vibrant and sustainable future for this amazing Douglas County coastal asset.

We also encourage business owners, community members, tourists, and other stakeholders to stay informed and participate in the future of Salmon Harbor Marina.  For more information visit our new Salmon Harbor Master Plan web page at https://douglascountyor.gov/900/Master-Plan-2024.  It will be the hub for a variety of announcements, proposals, plans, and essential information during the master planning process.

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Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Public Information Officer | Phone: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Attachments: Open House Flyer

(Salem, OR) – This May, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) honors the vital role of resource families in creating safe and stable environments for children and young adults. In Oregon, adults who care for children in foster care are called resource parents, emphasizing the many important roles they play in supporting children and their parents, creating safe environments for them to thrive, and helping maintain relationships with their families of origin and communities. 

Supportive relationships are particularly important for young people who have experienced trauma and can change the trajectory of a life. According to Harvard’s Center for the Developing Child, supportive and responsive relationships help children develop resilience in the face of adversity.

As Governor Tina Kotek’s proclamation in recognition of National Foster Care Month states, “Oregon’s children are all of our children, and we have a responsibility to create safe, nurturing environments that enable them to thrive.”

Resource families come from a variety of backgrounds and can be part of a child’s extended family. Kinship care has become a priority nationally as research shows that children placed with relatives experience less trauma and have better behavioral and mental health outcomes. ODHS prioritizes recruitment of a wide range of resource families to ensure culturally diverse and affirming environments for children and young adults in foster care.

“It is important for children to be in resource families that recognize the importance of maintaining culturally affirming community and kinship connections,” said Aprille Flint-Gerner, Child Welfare Director. “I deeply appreciate Oregon resource families from all backgrounds for contributing to the lives of young people.”

Because resource parents play such a vital role in child welfare, ODHS has invested in programs to support them and improve retention. Two examples include the Response Support Network pilot project, and the Respite Program. The Response Support Network pilot project provides on-call behavioral health supports for children with complex behavioral and mental health needs. The Respite Program, implemented in 2023, supports resource parents and families of origin by training and certifying providers to make care more accessible and available. 

National Foster Care Month is an opportunity to:

• Consider making a difference by becoming a resource parent, providing respite care to families, or volunteering in other ways. 
• Lift up and thank resource parents and relative caregivers for their essential role in strengthening and reunifying families.
• Honor the family, community and cultural connections for children and young people in foster care.

There are many ways to support children and young people experiencing foster care and uplift families involved with Child Welfare. Visit our website, Foster.Oregon.Gov, to learn more, or call 1-800-331-0503 to get involved.

About the ODHS Child WelfareProgram

The Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare Program is committed to transforming itself to better support the individual needs of families and to best serve Oregon’s children and young people. 

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The Construction Contractors Board (CCB), the state agency that licenses contractors in Oregon, follows a mission to protect consumers from unlicensed contractor activity. At this time of year, unlicensed contractor scams are common, as fly-by-night individuals take advantage of consumers conducting remodels and repairs on their property. 

CCB combats unlicensed contractor activity in many ways, including through presence of Field Investigators who visit construction job sites in search of unlicensed contractor activity. While Field Investigators make unannounced, random visits to job sites as they encounter them, they also follow up on reports of unlicensed contractor activity from consumers. These reports are an essential part of the CCB’s mission to protect consumers from scams. 

"Contractors that operate outside the adopted license standards put consumers at risk and undercut responsible licensed businesses,” said Chris Huntington, Administrator for the CCB. “When Oregonians report unlicensed activity they are standing up for their neighbors, supporting responsible licensed businesses and helping CCB be much more effective at addressing the harms of unlicensed contracting."

Dangers of Hiring an Unlicensed Contractor 

Unlicensed contractor activity puts consumers at risk. While CCB can fine unlicensed contractors for violations, consumers that hire unlicensed contractors have little recourse when construction projects go awry. 

CCB urges consumers to check contractors for an active license before hiring them. Consumers who become aware of unlicensed contractor jobsites should report them to the CCB. 

Dangers of working with unlicensed contractors include:

• No ability to look up license history. CCB's online license search feature allows consumers to look up any license and see its history, including disciplinary history, previous suspensions, complaints and more. This helps consumers to make informed decisions when hiring a contractor. No such look up exists for unlicensed contractors.
• No access to mediation. CCB offers mediation services to consumers in dispute with their licensed contractor. CCB mediations help keep these disputes out of court. Consumers in dispute with unlicensed contractors do not have this option, and while some do choose to go to court, others simply walk away. Many hire licensed contractors to fix the problem.
• No insurance, bond, or workers comp policy. Licensed contractors are required to have insurance and a bond in place to protect consumers. Businesses with employees are requried to have workers comp. Most often, unlicensed contractors do not have this kind of protection and thus put consumers who hire them at risk.

“Hiring an unlicensed contractor can be enticing because they’re available sooner or seem more cost effective. The reality of using an unlicensed contractor is they may be too inexperienced to complete the work properly, which results in a failed project and potential damage to the home,” said Vena Swanson, CCB’s Enforcement Manager. “Since most unlicensed contractors are also uninsured and without a bond, the homeowner then must pay another contractor to fix the work and the damage. This can be three or four times the original amount.”

How to Report Unlicensed Contractor Activity? 

Reporting unlicensed contractor activity is easy with the CCB’s website. Consumers that are aware of unlicensed contractors working on active jobsites can report the activity to the CCB at this link: https://search.ccb.state.or.us/online_complaint_enf/ 

Consumers can also find this link themselves through the CCB’s website, www.oregon.gov/ccb 

To report activity, look for the button that says “Report Contractor Activity.”

Reports can be made anonymously, or consumers can request a follow up phone call to find out what happened to their report. 

“If you see or suspect unlicensed work happening, report the address to the CCB, and we can dispatch a field investigator to the site in your area while the work is happening,” said Swanson. “You can call us anonymously at 503-934-2446 to report an active jobsite, or email us at tips@ccb.oregon.gov">ccbtips@ccb.oregon.gov.”

The CCB provides many tools to consumers to help them through their home improvement projects. Visit the CCB’s website at www.oregon.gov/ccb to find free downloadable guides, to order informational publications sent to your home, and to look up any contractor’s license. 

Voters are urged to return their ballots as early as possible to ensure they are received at Lane County Elections by the 8:00 p.m. deadline on Tuesday, May 21. 

In order to be counted, ballots must be received at Lane County Elections by:

• Regular mail. Ballots must be postmarked no later than May 21, 2024 and received no later than May 28, 2024 to be counted.
• A 24/7 ballot drop box.
• Lane County Elections. Ballots can be turned in by May 21, 2024 directly to the Lane County Elections Office during business hours (open until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day).

“We have passionate, engaged voters in Lane County and we want all eligible voters to feel confident returning their ballots in a way that is most convenient for them,” said Lane County Clerk Dena Dawson. “There are several options and, as long as voters are aware of the ballot return deadlines, they can ensure their ballots are received in time so their votes can be counted.”

Voters must also remember to sign their ballot return envelopes before mailing or returning their completed ballot to Lane County Elections.

The signature is a security measure used to verify identity. Signatures are compared to those in the voter registration record. A ballot may only be counted if the signatures match.

If you forget to sign the envelope or your signature does not match, you will receive a notice from Lane County Elections advising you of the issue and how to fix or “cure” it. You have until the 21^st day after the election to cure your signature issue and have your ballot counted.

What can you do to ensure your signature matches?

1. Sign your natural signature. If you don’t usually sign with a middle initial don’t sign your ballot envelope with it. Election workers are trained to look for specific characteristics within each signature. If you think your signature has changed significantly, contact Lane County Elections.

1. Don’t sign another person’s name. Even if someone gives you permission to sign, or you have power of attorney, it is against the law in Oregon to sign another person’s name on a return envelope. It’s forgery.

1. Request help if you have difficulty signing.  If it is difficult for you to sign, on either a temporary or permanent basis, you can complete a signature attestation form and return it to Lane County Elections.  Completing this step will allow you to use a signature stamp or other indicator that represents your signature.

1. Correct a mistake if you accidentally sign your name on someone in your household’s envelope. If you and another person in your household sign each other’s return ballot envelopes, simply place a line through the incorrect signatures and sign the correct envelopes.

Voters with questions can email elections@lanecountyor.gov or call 541-682-4234.

About the Lane County Elections Office:

The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10^th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County.  The Elections Office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.

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Eugene, OR.  Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a two car motor vehicle crash on Beltline Eastbound between Northwest Expressway and  River Rd. At 11:24 PM on Sunday May 12th, crews were alerted to a motor vehicle crews with reports of CPR in progress on one victim.  When crews arrived they found the vehicles had sustained heavy damage and one person needed heavy extrication. There were no fatalities on scene and two patients were transported to RiverBend in critical condition.  ESF was assisted on scene by Lane Fire Authority.

Springfield, OR.  Eugene Springfield Fire is on scene of an apartment fire in the 1017 J Street in Springfield.  Firefighters were alerted to the fire at 5:11 PM and arrived 4 minutes later at 5:15 PM. Firefighters found smoke coming from a second floor apartment and stretched a hose for fire attack and primary search.  The fire was contained to the apartment of origin.  

This story will be updated with further information after the primary investigation is complete. 
 

This fire resulted in a fatality.  The investigation is ongoing. 

Eugene, OR.  Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a fuel spill at the Glenwood exit from Interstate 5 Southbound. Just before 9:30 AM Sunday May 12th, dispatchers began receiving calls of a semi leaking fuel traveling down the freeway.  Fire crews located the semi at the Glenwood exit and assessed the situation.  Noting a large hole in the fuel tank, Eugene Springfield Fire’s regional hazardous materials team was called to help capture leaking fuel and use absorbent to contain what had already spilled.  ESF is working with ODOT and a private contractor on clean up plans.  

The Eugene Springfield Fire Haz-Mat team is a group of cross trained firefighters who do double duty as firefighters serving their community and hazardous materials response technicians.  The Haz-May team is one of 14 regional teams in Oregon supported by the Oregon State Fire Marshal.  These firefighters handle simple fuel spills to chemical, biological and radiological emergencies. Our Region 2 territory includes west to the coast and east to Highway 97 near Chemult.   

Oregon, USA - May 9, 2024 - The Oregon State Fire Fighter Joint Apprentice Training Committee is proud to announce the selection of three new apprentice sites: Corvallis Fire Department, Coos Bay Fire Department, and Umatilla Fire District #1. This landmark decision comes as a result of the groundbreaking Oregon House Bill 2294 in the 2023 Session, which allocated funds to establish a Bureau of Labor Industry regulated Fire Fighter Apprentice Program. 

The introduction of the Apprenticeship in Oregon’s Fire Service marks a pivotal moment in the state's firefighting landscape, aiming to attract individuals who may not traditionally consider a career in firefighting. With a strategic focus on BIPOC communities, veterans, and women, the program endeavors to better reflect Oregon’s diverse population. 

Apprenticeship candidates undergo a rigorous selection process, including non-fire service testing, NFPA 1582 Medical Fitness for Duty Exam, and comprehensive background checks. Once accepted into the two-year program, apprentices receive academy training from their respective departments or districts and are subsequently assigned to journey-level firefighters. 

A key component of the program is the completion of Emergency Medical Technician Basic Level training, supplemented by associated college-level coursework in partnership with local community colleges. Upon successful completion of 4000 hours of training and on-the-job experience, apprentices attain journey-level status, equipped with the necessary skills and certifications to embark on their careers in the Oregon Fire Service. 

What sets this program apart from traditional volunteer firefighting roles is that apprentices are compensated for their on-the-job training, eliminating financial barriers that may deter individuals from pursuing a career in firefighting. This initiative addresses the pressing need for a viable career path for those who face economic pressures. 

The selection of Corvallis Fire Department, Coos Bay Fire Department, and Umatilla Fire District #1 as apprentice sites is strategic, considering the workforce diversity challenges these communities encounter. By increasing the "weight of attack" on each shift by 25%, the program not only enhances emergency response capabilities but also ensures that subsequent calls or alarms can be answered promptly, bolstering public safety. 

This program epitomizes a proactive approach to addressing the essential government service needs of our communities. By improving service to the public, enhancing firefighter safety, and creating career opportunities for underrepresented groups, the Oregon State Fire Fighter Joint Apprentice Training Committee is fostering stronger partnerships between the State of Oregon, Fire Departments, and Districts throughout the state. 

In conclusion, the implementation of the Fire Fighter Apprentice Program underscores a commitment to fiscal responsibility, delivering improved outcomes for taxpayers while fortifying the resilience of Oregon's firefighting infrastructure.